As the last US boots left Afghanistan’s dusty terrain, a twenty-year chapter in American history came to a close. Images of the Taliban swiftly taking control after the departure brought forth complex emotions for veterans of the Afghan War and their families. The longest war in US history was over, but the impact on those who served was just beginning.
Table of Contents:
- Impact on Veterans of the Final US Troop Withdrawal
- Reflecting on the Final US Troop Withdrawal
- Conclusion
Impact on Veterans of the Final US Troop Withdrawal
The fall of Kabul and the return of the Taliban brought challenging emotions for veterans. Loss and doubt consumed many, who couldn’t help but wonder: what lasting mark had their service left behind? Witnessing the chaos during the withdrawal, the frantic evacuation attempts, and the harrowing stories of those left behind only compounded these feelings.
Moral Injury: A Hidden Wound
Beyond the readily recognizable symptoms of PTSD, many veterans also grappled with moral injury. This profound sense of betrayal, guilt, and shame can arise from witnessing or participating in acts that challenge one’s moral compass. The tumultuous events surrounding the final withdrawal, including the chaotic evacuation and the Taliban’s swift takeover, could trigger moral injury for veterans who risked their lives for a mission that now felt compromised. rescue efforts were further complicated by the urgent need to get American citizens and Afghan allies to safety.
President Biden faced criticism for the handling of the withdrawal, with some arguing that a more gradual drawdown of troops and civilians would have prevented the chaotic scenes at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport. When the government’s quick collapse caught everyone off guard, officials shot back, claiming the intel pros didn’t see it coming. The speed at which the Taliban took control left little time for an orderly withdrawal.
Extracting a military presence from a country with centuries of conflicting histories and lasting animosity is a recipe for disaster, as we’ve recently seen. The reason the Biden administration chose to withdraw from Afghanistan was simple: they believed the US had achieved its main goal. From stopping American soil from becoming a launching pad for terrorists to strike the US, our top priority is national security.
Finding Support and Understanding
Support networks become particularly critical for service members in these situations. Veterans may feel hesitant to share their emotions, fearing judgment or that others won’t understand. This is where organizations like the VA (Veteran Affairs) and veteran support groups play a crucial role. Within these walls, veterans find a judgement-free zone to confront their emotions, exchange stories with fellow warriors, and plug into a network of mental health services.
PTSD, moral injury, and other service-related emotional traumas can drive veterans to darker places – that’s where organizations committed to their well-being come in, providing a safe haven to face down grief, anger, and betrayal. Whether it’s one-on-one counseling or group therapy, veteran support programs recognize that every veteran’s story is different and provide personalized services to help them overcome their distinct obstacles. But that’s not all – these resources also hook veterans up with the financial backing, housing support, and job opportunities they need to thrive.
The magnitude of military service really hit me in that instant – it changes you forever. It became clear that supporting veterans as they transition back to civilian life requires more than just a heroic welcome home – it demands ongoing resources to heal the deep emotional wounds of war.
Reflecting on the Final US Troop Withdrawal
While the final US troop withdrawal presented challenges, it also provided a moment for reflection. With the withdrawal, a long-overdue conversation began – one that questioned the nation’s role in global affairs and the true cost of its longest-running war. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the path forward for Afghanistan is murky, and its neighbors are bracing for impact.
Reframing the Narrative
While the chaotic withdrawal undoubtedly caused anguish and disappointment, reframing the narrative becomes crucial for veterans. Highlighting the time spent in Afghanistan, we’re reminded of the individuals who gave much-needed aid, strengthened local bonds, and educated eager minds –these are the stories that can change our view. Though the stories of veterans differed greatly, a common thread was the quiet satisfaction of knowing their work had brought positive change to the people of Afghanistan.
As the military dust settled, it was clear: this was a moment to chart a new course, elevating soft power over shock and awe, and placing diplomacy and development front and center. Afghanistan can take heart in the US pledge to deliver humanitarian aid and outspokenly defend women’s and girls’ rights, giving them a chance to flourish and grow. However, the ability to deliver on these promises remains uncertain given the Taliban’s grip on power.
Winding down a military campaign is no clean break; the mess left behind is a painful reminder of the lasting scars born from combat. Veteran well-being demands our attention as we confront the aftermath of this event, and providing healing resources is the first step towards helping them rediscover their purpose.
Conclusion
The final US troop withdrawal marked the end of an era. The real emotional heavy lifting for many veterans begins when they’re back in civilian life, trying to process the weight of their experiences. The coming years will depend on this perfect blend of inner strength and helpful resources. The terror threat in Afghanistan has only gotten worse as the Taliban released a number of ISIS members from prison during the last several weeks.
As a Veteran I will tell you any middle ranked officer could have prepared and executed a better withdraw from Afghanistan. Perhaps the worst military blunder caused by idiots in the White House and their staff! The commander in chief and any of the joint chiefs who accepted and tried to execute this plan should be removed from their positions. Since the president himself admits he is told what to do do and who to take questions from then the people telling the president what to do need to be identified and removed from office! America’s reputation as a country you can depend on was ruined by these idiots!
Better words have never been said. All those American Military lives lost and all
the Equipment just turned over to the Taliban. We need New leadership. As Veteran
I am ashamed of out Leadership.
I totally agree with you Biden should be removed
BIDEN IS A TOTAL DISGRACE TO OUR COUNTRY! COMMITTED TREASON ON THE HIGHEST SCALE AND PUT AMERICA ON ALERT FOR AN INVASION BY TERRORIST. HE MUST BE TRIED AND CONVICTED! I CANT UNDERSTAND HOW ANYONE COULD BE SO STUPID!!
I agreed, we should recall biden. He should be fired. by the people and kick out of office.
You’re so right.
What an embarrassment this country is.
I have been a proud veteran and love my country.
For the first time in my life I am ashamed of America.
We are under attack from within.
God have mercy on this nation
You are right!
As a Vietnam Veteran, This was a total disgrace. Everyone that was involved in this should and hopefully will be removed from any and all offices that there in.
Disgrace from the supposedly
President.
Good show William Murphy when I was in. Vetnan we were always told to distrow equipment and arms we got some real aholes in white house if Trump was still president I would of asked him if I could get back in to help even at my age to protect our country r
Amen for us Vietnam vets I’m proud to have served in Vietnam even though I on disability and scruwed up even with PTS
This has been a Cluster F— from DAY One! In 2022 we need to vote all these self indulged idiots out of office and Impeach Biden, Harris, Pelosi, Schumer and start rebuilding what is left of OUR Country!
I agree 100%
All U people who aided putting Biden and his people in power have blood on ur hands now…….::may God bless ur soul and I hope U can live with ur self!.
Even if Biden was to be kicked out of office who do we have to take over?. Kamala, please she don’t care about America she’s a looser, always has been. We’re just plain screwed!.
For those who voted for Biden/Harris, you got what you voted for. God bless our country and watch over us. Semper Fi.
Same thing when we left Vietnam left a lot of good equipment for them to use WTF
As a veteran and a Civil/Public Servant. I can feel the pain of such an inglorious withdrawal. However, you cannot win a war when you are fighting an Ethnic Group (Taliban) that represents a large percentage of the population.
I am a retired Navy Seabee Senior Chief. Spent 2 years watching this take place in Viet Nam. We built 2 new bases there it was for nothing. We did destroy all our equipment before we left. I totally agree with what is said above. Smart just wasn’t in the cards. Mark my words there will be a lot more killing of our people. The door is open for more 911s.
Thank the people that voted them all in.
I feel sorry fo all the troops under this command.
The end is not even close. Patton Has turned over in his grave. My dad worked for him.Battle of The Bulge.
Good luck.
war in it self is bad in any circumstance. As a retired navy senior chief, short of f…… the whole place up, how much longer should we have allowed our brave men and women to fight for a country in which their own trained military would not sacrifice their lives for their own people. No it was not pretty, but the ending of this BS had to end at some point. and all of those who point the finger at Biden and Harris, should note one thing. Trump was the one who put this bs in operation. we as nation will continue to protect this country as we have in the past by any means necessary. Now lets get down to the business of taking care of the much neglected business of taking care of the problems that are plaguing our own country. It’s a shame that the most affluent country on the planet has so many people living in poverty, yet as tax payers we’ve spent trillions of dollars on a conflict the netted us nothing. Amen!
Very true, also we have not finished and or won a war since WWII. The military could and would win if allowed. Politicians only gain as money is spent and lives unfortunatly lost. Their greatest concern is to leave office rich or to bask in the limelight off the press corp that wont report truthfully. Im an 8 year vet and have 27 total in service with DoD time included. Thank all you former service member for your loyalty to this counytry and all your sacrifices made. God Bless you all.
remember: Biden was left with a lot of “Garbage” to take of. I do not fault him, but the joint chiefs of staff should have been more cautious. When you are dealing with groups like the taliban you are dealing with people who do not value life as we do.
Imagine being a woman in Afghanistan? No rights or privileges.
What do our women say about that?]
I too am a veteran even though I did not see combat I still served.
John Donald Watkins
Biden was left with a growing economy, self sufficient energy, a solid global balance, and a controlled border. No country in this world has open borders allowing in COVID carrying people, drug traffickers, human trafficking activities, and potentially terrorists who have one goal, the death of anyone practicing Christianity. The dumbocrats have ruined everything we have fought and died for. MAGA TRUMP!!
A Marine Corps veteran
The man is in waay over his head. A disgrace to our Nation. Nam Vet 101st Airborne Division
As an ex Marine, Semper Fi, we lost some young men for nothing, I will never forget this, I’m 82.
Wow, I am a retired CW4 USA Veteran and I’ve served combat tours in Vietnam and Iraq, and conducted missions in many other southwest Muslim countries for the US Army. Like my fellow comrades who posted their thoughts regarding the hasty, poor, not well thought thru and planned withdrawal of our military troops out of Afghanistan; I was appalled and disheartened by the disgraceful and illogical decision by our Military higher up command and the current Biden White House Administration to exit Afghanistan the way we did. Military Tactics and Policy 101 dictate we hold ground we have won (at what cost) several thousand of our men and women were killed doing their duty. Many more were wounded, maimed, disabled, and how many more left suffering from PTSD. For WHAT….to leave with our tail between our legs after fighting the Taliban for over 20 years, just because Biden and his cronies wanted to get accolades for pulling the US out of Afghanistan completely. What were our Top Command leaders like the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Defense Ministers, Secretary of the Army, and other top Theater Commanders such as General Millie thinking! Anyone with any common sense with or without an military training or background knows Bagrum Air Base should have been held and the military should not have left until all Americans, Afghan Nationals who assisted and worked side by side the US, like Interpretors and Afghan government officials who wanted a better government system we’re out of the country first. Like I said.It was a huge military and White House BLUNDER. What were they thinking…Leaving Billion dollars of war supplies behind such as Helicopters, weapons, Up armored vehicles, and other high priced military arms and equipment; to arm the Taliban and who knows how many other Terrorist Groups that probably will establish terrorist training camps in Afghanistan again to continue attacking the US and other Western Countries. This was a huge Psychological and Religious victory for the Taliban and terrorist worldwide. This just shows what we initially thought this Biden, Harris, and his crony administration would do! Wake up America and smell the roses. What do you think our allied nations are thinking of us now. Our position as world leaders and the strength we gained back with the Trump Administration has dwindled.. Furthermore, what do all the families that lost loved ones through the past 20 years now think. Their children, husbands, fathers, mothers, and sisters died for what! How many Americans are left stranded in Afghanistan? We all know what the Taliban will do to all who assisted the United States these last 20 years. I pray for our future and Gods Bless the USA 🇺🇸.
Al Suarez Ret. CW4, USA
We’re f***ed, the whole dam nation thànks to the Democratic idiots in office, first in nam and now this. How far are we going to let them sink this country? Let’s get rid of the Democratic idiots in office. Recall Joe biden and all the Democratic idiots in office.
SO YOUR SAYING Trump and his i. do with screwing up this country.what a joke the Republicans have really brainwashed you.