How US Veterans Helped to Evacuate Allies from Afghanistan in August 2021

The Scuttlebutt: Understanding Military Culture

Former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Afghanistan War veteran Mikael Cook joins us to talk about the August 2021 evacuation of Afghanistan. Mikael was a part of the #DigitalDunkirk team that saved thousands of Afghan allies who had been left behind. He was personally responsible for the evacuation of 20 of our allies.

“Life and Death at Abbey Gate” by Mikael Cook provides a harrowing account of the chaotic final days of the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan in August 2021. The book centers on the efforts of an ad-hoc group of American veterans and other personnel who mobilized to help evacuate Afghan allies and civilians amid the Taliban’s rapid takeover of Kabul.

The narrative begins with the formation of the #DigitalDunkirk initiative, a civilian-led effort named after the World War II evacuation of Dunkirk, which saw thousands of people working tirelessly to coordinate evacuations using encrypted messaging apps and real-time intelligence. These individuals included CIA and NSA agents, military veterans, and legislative aides, who collectively formed a formidable network aimed at rescuing those left behind​.

Cook’s story is told through multiple perspectives, including his own and that of his Afghan friend Abdul, as well as members of the 2/1 Marines stationed at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA). The Marines at Abbey Gate faced intense conditions, working under immense pressure and witnessing scenes that brought many to tears. Their work culminated in the tragic suicide bombing by an ISIS-K attacker, which killed 13 U.S. service members and numerous Afghan civilians​​.

The book highlights the logistical and tactical challenges of the evacuation, criticizing the decision to abandon Bagram Airfield, which left HKIA as the sole evacuation point. This move is depicted as a strategic blunder, complicating the already perilous operation​.

Throughout “Life and Death at Abbey Gate,” Cook emphasizes the dedication and bravery of those involved in the evacuation, portraying their efforts as a testament to the U.S. military’s commitment to its allies. The book underscores the emotional and physical toll on everyone involved and serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the complexities of military withdrawal​ .

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