Dagger 22: U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan

by Michael Golembesky

The thrilling true story of a Marine special operations unit in a battle for their lives in Afghanistan.Level Zero Heroes, Michael Golembesky's New York Times bestselling account of Marine Special Operations Team 8222 in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan, was just the beginning for these now battle-hardened special operations warriors.The unforgiving Afghan winter has settled upon the twenty-two men of Marine Special Operations Team 8222, call sign Dagger 22, in the remote and hostile river valley of Bala Murghab, Afghanistan. The Taliban fighters in the region would have liked nothing more than to once again go dormant and rest until the new spring fighting season began. No chance of that—this winter would be different.Along with Afghan and International Security Forces (NATO), the Marines of Dagger 22 continued their fight throughout the harsh winter to shape the battlefield before the Afghan ground began to thaw. From one firefight to the next, the noose began to tighten around the village of Daneh Pasab and the Taliban command cell operating there. On April 6, 2010, a ground force consisting of U.S. Army Special Forces, Afghan Commandos and Marine Corps special operations conducted a night assault to destroy the heavily entrenched Taliban force, breaking their grip on the valley and stopping the spring offensive before it ever began.But nothing in Bala Murghab comes easily as combat operations wear on the operators of Dagger 22, as they lean on each other once again in order to complete their mission in one of the most brutal environments on earth.

Genres: Military Fiction, War, Nonfiction, History, Military History, Autobiography, Memoir

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2016

About the author

SSgt. Michael Golembesky, Author

Born in 1976, Michael moved from his home town of Levittown, Pennsylvania to Colorado in 1997 to begin a new life. There he worked as a truck driver for a local dairy before enlisting into the Marine Corps shortly after the events of 9/11 to help support the United States in the global war on terrorism.

Upon graduating MCRD San Diego in 2002, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines as a field artillery cannoneer, deploying to Okinawa (2003) and Iraq (2005) with Regimental Combat Team 2, where he served as a provisional rifle company squad leader.

Upon returning from Iraq, Sgt. Golembesky made a lateral move in primary MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) to become a Fire Support Man (0861). He served his following two deployments attached to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines as a forward observer and Fire Support Chief as part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (2006) and Task Force 2/2 in Iraq (2008).

While on his second deployment in Iraq, SSgt. Golembesky was selected to become an aircraft controller with the newly formed Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC). He reported to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion in January, 2009 and immediately attended the Joint Terminal Attack Controller course in Norfolk, Va. After graduating and obtaining 8002 MOS, he was assigned as a team JTAC with Marine Special Operations Company G, Team 2. His fifth and final deployment was served in Afghanistan (RC-W) with Marine Special Operations Team 8222 from 2009 through 2010 in the Bala Murghab River Valley.

Honorably discharged in Oct. 2010 after eight years of military service, Michael, along with his wife Sabrina and daughter, returned home to Colorado where he works as a defense contractor and writer.

Michael's personal military awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Valor), two Navy and Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbons and the Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals.

Michael's author page on Facebook > https://www.facebook.com/SSgtMichaelG...

Reviews

[Les Gehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating (and ultimately frustrating) book following a small Marine Corps special operations group in a small valley in Afghanistan. The author illustrates in great detail a number of the operations that he participated in in an attempt to drive the Taliban out of the valley. Fortunately, he also provides excellent detailed maps of each of the operations, and quite a few photos helping the reader visualize the places where these actions occurred. The author is also very good at explaining all of the acronyms used by the military and giving pronunciations of the place names. Ultimately, the book is frustrating (through no fault of the author) in that the people who have the most to gain by driving out the Taliban seem the least willing to fight for their homeland. A lot of good people fought and died to liberate this valley from the Taliban, and within weeks of the Allied forces pulling out, the Taliban had re-gained control of the valley. This ultimate failure really makes one wonder just what we were trying to accomplish over there, and if this goal was really worth the great cost in lives.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-told story that takes the reader on a dangerous journey into war and how each team-member relies on the support of the others, like a well-oiled machine. It allows the layman who has never been in a battle situation to be a voyeur in this nightmare called war and terrorism.

Note: Our son has been with the Army since 2001, enlisting before 911 took place. He was part of 82nd Airborne, 307th Engineers and has deployed seven times. I know that he will better grasp the story and history and understand this book better than I can and now I am passing it on to him.

I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. I am paying it forward by passing this book along to a family member whom I think will enjoy it too.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be clear, this is a review based on my experience with the audio book. Whomever was hired to read had clearly failed in a very studious attempt to fully duplicate Christian Bale's "Batman" voice, but he wasn't too far off. It was distracting, and unintentionally hilarious at times in stark contrast to the bleak subject matter. I would never aim to take away from the heroism that the author had exemplified during his tour of duty and I praise our heros to no end. I salute the members of Dagger 22 for their service.

[Steven Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former Marine Michael Golembesky wrote a home run of a war memoir with his inaugural book, LEVEL ZERO HEROES. His second book, DAGGER 22, picks up immediately where LZH left off.

Marine Special Operations Team 8222 (the eponymous Dagger 22) is still in the Bala Murghab Valley. The Marine Raiders, supported by soldiers from the 82nd Airborne, have established a foothold, but there is still a sizable Taliban presence in the valley. The spring offensive threatens to be one of the deadliest on record. Dagger 22 has plans to head the offensive off before it begins, but they remain hampered by hyper-restrictive rules of engagement.

Despite that, Golembesky and his Dagger 22 comrades find ways to overcome the bureaucracy and take the fight to the Taliban. Those expecting a harrowing and constantly kinetic read will be disappointed. Dagger 22's deployment highlights the adage that war is mostly boredom, briefly interrupted by sheer terror. The book starts off with a slow build and a description of miserable living conditions that will be familiar to many whom have deployed with combat arms and special operations. Eventually, the team begins to truly develop the situation and convince the risk-averse brass to commit more resources to the region, culminating in a massive operation to root out the Taliban in Bala Murghab.

This is one of the finest war memoirs out there. For people who want to learn how war truly is and to grasp the concept of the sacrifices made by the warfighters downrange, look no further than DAGGER 22.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a military history/biography, it’s not a case of simply rating or reviewing a book. I read this in one sitting. The story was one of heartbreak and sacrifice, an outpouring of emotion—highs and lows—and life altering situations.

Written, reflecting on the author’s service, during a conflict still current in our minds, it’s certainly an in depth read.

Let down slightly by editing, the camaraderie and brotherhood, tactics and first hand experience shine through.

History is too often lost. This story needed to be told.

[Ryan Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally do reviews, but this book warrants one...
This story is inspiring, heartbreaking, hopeful, and frustrating all at the same time. This book was an amazing tribute to the men and women making sacrifices in this sometimes misguided war. Ski does a great job of immersing you in the story, and by the end of it I felt like I had been in BMG for weeks because I understood the layout so well, which is sometimes very hard for books like this to do. Absolutely will be recommending this and Level Zero Heroes to anyone and everyone.

[Joshua Grow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read from the perspective of the boots on the ground. I love getting the inside look to how members of the military interact with each other during downtime and battle. Obviously there's a fair amount of language in this book but if you enjoy military ops give it a read!

[Aloysius Teng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story about MARSOC Operators

This is the second book by Michael Golembesky about his time with MSOT 8222 in Afghanistan. The story is packed with action and provides insight into how the soldiers on the ground felt when their combat leaders decided to sacrifice the safety of the boots on the ground due to political pressure. Interesting read!

[Ruben Bramhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Golembesky delivers yet again. Whether a veteran or civilian, when you open this book you feel like you're a part of Marine Special Operations Team 8222 (MSOT 8222) also known as Dagger 22. You experience every emotion imaginable as you turn each page. As if you were standing next to them on the frozen ground in Bala Murghab. Their thoughts become yours and it become painfully obvious that what you're reading is not fiction but the reality of MSOT 8222, their brothers, sisters and partner nations. There were times through out this book that I had to put it down to gather my thoughts and emotions. Michael writes in a way that is sure to impact the reader of every experince level. The experiences of MSOT 8222 reminded me of this quote: "In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson. "

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Brotherhood. Everyone who serves has a story to tell of their part in it. I appreciate the candor of Michael in sharing the PC foolishness that costs warriors their lives when decisions have to be made quickly on the tip of the spear. The acronyms can be overpowering at times, but they explain in short definition what we all use as common language. Civilians may just have to suffer through it. Thank you all for your Service.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dagger 22 talks about the MARSOC unit Dagger 22 their deployment within the Bala Murghab area of Northern Afghanistan. The Author, Michael Golembesky, was a joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) for the Marine Force Reconnaissance Team Dagger 22 who served in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan. This is the story of their unit and their mission within the valley. I liked the book, the Author did a great job getting multiple accounts and details of engagements even when he was not directly present. A JTAC is tasked with communicating and directing aircraft as they come into his area of influence. They are primarily not trigger pullers, but are constantly looking at portable computers, using satellite phones and other radio equipment to support their unit. If higher command allows munitions from the aircraft to be deployed, he is responsible for grid coordinates for those munitions and walking the plane, whether manned or drone, onto the target to destroy enemy forces and eliminate friendly or non-combatant casualties. Dagger 22 was stationed at FOB Todd along with a unit from the Army’s 82nd Airborne and an Italian Army unit. Towards the end of Dagger 22’s deployment, an Army Special Forces team (also known as a Detachment Alpha or A-team) paired with Afghan Commandos, assisted in assaulting several Taliban strongholds in villages near their FOB.
The book is good, the stories are well written and gripping, and it details the difficulty with combat, mentioning some of the current frustrations that they guys on the ground have with the administration and oversight of what is happening.
Some of these frustrations are: Getting clearance to engage hostile units with air assets. Another is the skill and commitment level of the Afghan troops they fight alongside. And another is what happens to the area once the Coalition forces pull out. If we had the rules and red tape during WWII that we have now, I highly doubt the allies would have won that war.
This is not the first book I have read that discusses how the Afghan Commandos don’t really embody the meaning of “commando” and many times fall short of having the determination to see things through to the end and ultimately make their country a better place. This is a generalization of course, as there have also been examples of individuals within the Afghan military that were highly praised. However, these are more of a rarity than common place.
The author was frustrated to learn that after the coalition forces pulled out of Bala Murghab, within several short weeks the Taliban surged and pushed out all of the Afghan military personnel that were left to secure the ground that had been taken. All of the bases and outposts that Dagger 22, the 82nd airborn, the Italian military and the Army SF / Afghan Commandos helped secure and construct are all currently within Taliban control.
Overall good book. I didn’t realize prior to reading, that I had already seen videos of one of Dagger 22’s engagements with the enemy on Youtube. As I was looking at the pics in the book, I saw one and recognized the photo from the video. It can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEZVh...

Next, on to the Author’s first book, Level Zero Heroes.

[Alfonso D'agostino · Rating 2 out of 5]

(recensione ricca di link qui: http://capitolo23.com/2018/03/03/nome...)

Se c’è un aspetto bello dell’amare la lettura è proprio questo: alternare più o meno efficacemente stili, generi, argomenti. Passare nell’arco di due mattine dal freddo di un thriller nordico alle atmosfere avvolgenti di un romanzo introspettivo, dalla storia di uno storico club calcistico alle avventure di una coppia di ragazzi in fuga nella Stalingrado occupata. Nei miei giringiretti letterari una stazione militaresca è – per qualche motivo che non ho mai saputo definire troppo bene – una tappa costante. Vedi “The operator“, “Il cuore e il pugno” e gli ottimi romanzi di Francesco Cotti, per intendersi.

Nelle intenzioni, Nome in codice: Dagger 22 doveva rappresentare uno di questi passaggi. La realtà è che la lettura si è trasformata in un eterno “vabbè, ormai l’ho iniziato, sarebbe un peccato non finirlo” (–> mannaggia a me che non metto in pratica i diritti del lettore redatti da Pennac).

La “vera storia di un marine americano nell’inferno dell’Afghanistan” si trasforma rapidamente in un lungo esercizio tecnico: se c’è qualcosa che un lettore richiede ad un testo del genere è l’immedesimazione, il domandarsi “cosa avrei fatto io?”, persino lo stupore. Se mi ammorbi di sigle dei vari comandi, ti perdi in micro-particolari ed esageri nei dettagli, mi perdi dopo poche pagine. Michael Golembesky mi ha perso.

Unici aspetti positivi le citazioni delle azioni degli italiani nel teatro di guerra (giudizio più che positivo) e un apparato iconografico interessante, ma per la sufficienza non basta.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from the Goodreads free book giveaway contest and I must say this book was damn good. I appreciate that Michael was willing and able to share their stories with us. He gives one of the truest stories I've read and I can personally relate to it. It is gritty, frustrating, and mind-numbing what we go through in combat and yet what I find so freaking frustrating is that our leaders never learn a God Damn thing. Not taking out high-valued targets, refusing to allow our guys to shoot or drop ordinance, it's beyond bull shit. I was in Kandahar in 2006 and the same rear echelon cowardice was on full display then with their ridiculous "hand cuffs" on what we could do. They weren't there to prosecute a war and kill our enemies; no, they were there to make their next rank and sadly that same cowardice continues today. Alright, enough soap box ranting.

So this book, these stories, man are they awe-inspiring, to say the least. Faced with an enemy that wants you gone and knows exactly where you are, that's tough. Add in a lovely Afghanistan winter, mud, and bitter winds, and you've got a new outlook on life!

I liked the writing style too in that I felt like I was along with them as they prepared to move out. I wish I had been there with you guys. Thank you so much for your sacrifices, grit, and endless determination to make this world better and our enemies less. I truly hope you and your family are well. Thank you again for writing this book and allowing us the privilege of living through your eyes and experiences while in country.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While fascinating and educational, the writing has something to be desired. There are parts where the author adds lots of minute details about mountains or trees and other parts where he is quite the word smith when it actually counts. I was hoping the big fight scene would be more dramatic but alas the ending statements about what great accomplishments were made was the best writing of the whole book. I never once felt like I made a connection to any of the characters but the point was to tell the story and he did that. I can now say that I am more educated and interested in the war and politics of Afghanistan and on modern warfare.

[Rick Vanbuskirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

SF ops in Afghanistan is never dull and always amazed at the level of tactical superiority our soldiers display in the most difficult tactics situations, But it never ceases to amaze me in the incompetence of Higher Commands Battle CPTs and Staffs willingness to risk the lives of soldiers out in dire situations when resources are requested and then denied because they lack the balls or fortitude to make decisions based on real information versus some arbitrary concern to cover their own ass or fear of an 15-6 for their actions. Commanders get in your TOCs and do what you are paid to do make fucking decisions!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, that was easy to read and understand even if you've never served a day in your life. The author explained the terminology well and I was soon immersed in the story. It's a true story about a special ops team that is operating in Afghanistan. It's an eye opening book to read if you've ever wondered what it's like over there, and you really get an understanding of how the solider on the ground views what's happening. Overall, this was a really good book and I recommend anyone interested to pick it up and give it a read.

[Bob Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story, interesting how the warriors have to get permission to carry the fight to the enemy combatants when they are in a firefight; The american warriors are the protectors of american freedom that we cherish and hold dear. Glad that there soldiers that are willing answer the call, in a forgotten place and war Thank you for reminding us about sacrifice.

[Jack Oughton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the better Special Operations accounts, and comes from the perspective of a USMC guy, which is relatively rare amongst this kind of book.

It mainly covers the action that Michael saw - not so much his early career, selection, etc. Like many SF guys, he's quite a lucid thinker, and he gives a good account of how he felt about what happened, on top of his experiences - many of which were rather jarring and violent, as you'd imagine.

Well written, enjoyable with some gripping accounts - though not hugely memorable. Good stuff.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Golembesky and other Marine Radiers are men doing the tough work for our country. His no nonsense tell it like it was on the ground "in country" is a riveting story. As a veteran myself some of the political requirements for these guys are just disappointing and hard to accept. This is a well written account of the war in Afghanistan and definitely worth the read.

[Matthew Thamert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book that stirred many memories from my time in Afghanistan. I thought the author did a wonderful job putting you on the ground with the team so you could feel like you were one of them. I highly recommend this book as well as the first book Level Zero Heroes. I will be re-reading this book again.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book and loved it. It has the adrenaline rush of other and similar combat books and tells about a mostly unknown part of Afghanistan.

I was unaware of MARSOC until picking up this book and had no idea they appear to be at the same level as Navy SEALs and Army Green Berets.

This is another great combat book that I highly recommend.

[Kevin Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read...

Excellent book hard to put down. I ready the original and this book is just as good and can be read without grading the other companion book. If you like action true heroism what actually happens in war this book is for you

[Chuckdee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave it a five simple because it records a valuable piece of our military history in a very long, drawn out war. Comment on the technical aspects of his writing all you want, but that is irrelevant as you read and appreciate this story.

[christopher m conklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story of the U.S. Government's betrayal of our troops !

Yet another story of our sons fighting and dieing for corrupt politicians,make it a law that if they vote for war they MUST send their sons into battle on the front lines!!
Semper Fi my brothers.

[Mickey Bits · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for those who like insider accounts of modern warfare, especially that waged recenty in Afghanistan. The author lived it and relates the accounts in a realistic manner without pulling punches. Perhaps too many "booms" for my taste, but an interesting read, nonetheless.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was actually good, I got my hands on in at the PL. They had good details and really show that his life went for a ride. It showed a lot about the war in Afghanistan.

[Dave · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate giving one star to brave guys, but I just couldn't get into the book, it was a real chore to read and I just couldn't finish it. It just became words. Five stars for the brave guys

[Patricia Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author writes of his time spent in Afghanistan as a Special Operations Marine. It provides a combat Marine's view of the war on terrorism and the problems our troops and country face.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend all of his books. Great read.