Lone Survivor discussion

That one pivotal moment...that decision to let three men go...sealed their fate. It's heartbreaking. What would you do? I understand they were unarmed but, in a situation where your enemy is not clearly defined, do you shoot first, ask questions later? Is it kill or be killed? Did they make the right call? I can't imagine being in that situation. They made the moral and legal call but was it the right one? Is there a right one? I don't have an answer. I'm just curious to read what others think.

On the flip side, as an Afghan villager, would you have saved an American if it meant possible attack? In real life, there was no Taliban attack and there wouldn't be because they couldn't afford to earn the enmity of an entire village but if there was the potential for one, would you save the one person that could possibly bring about your destruction?

Regarding the three goat herders... I hope I'm never in a position where I'd have to make that decision. Sitting here in the comfort and safety of my home, I can't possible answer the hypothetical question. However, I do imagine the characters in my stories dealing with these challenges.

I want to believe that eventually good triumphs over evil, but often at a cost. In "Lone Survivor" I suppose it might have been possible to gag and tie up the goat herders, but again impossible for me to say.

Regarding the Taliban and the Afghan villager (doctor), I believe (it's been a while since I read the book) the Taliban did attack the village, although not at the scale depicted in the movie.

You're right. They had to hide out in a local home and he had to traipse around the surrounding woods. It just wasn't like the film.

I agree though...I hope to never have to answer the question. It just makes me even more in awe of these individuals...that this is part of their job...life and death.

I agree. They are superhuman in ever sense of the word.

Luttrell's assertion that the goat herders cost the mission to fail is laughably ludicrous. The actual reason that Operation Redwing failed was the same reason America failed in Vietnam...arrogance. Using a seal team that trains for amphibious assaults in the mountains was the first of many Homer Simpson like mistakes. Inserting a team into an enemy "hot zone" where they are outnumbered 40 to 1 all but guarantees they will be over-run whether there are goat herders about or not. Luttrell whines about having to respect rules of engagement but once you ignore those and start butchering people indiscriminately because of fear and suspicion you become no better than Hitler's Nazi thugs.

Good points all around

Pete wrote: "Luttrell's assertion that the goat herders cost the mission to fail is laughably ludicrous. The actual reason that Operation Redwing failed was the same reason America failed in Vietnam...arrogance..."

HEY PETE YOU CHUBBY GOOFBALL LOL WERE YOU IN THE AIR FORCE LOL DONT PRETEND TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MY MILITARY (THE REAL BRANCHES!!! NOT THE CHAIR FORCE!!!) YOU WOULDNT LAST ONE MINUTE HAHA KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK THO MAGA