What Is Operation Anaconda?
Operation Anaconda happened in early March 2002. The purpose of this mission was to root out enemy forces in the Shia-Kot Valley in the Patika Province. The battle took place between March 2nd and March 18th and was planned as a sophisticated “hammer and anvil” attack by pushing the enemy into blocked egress routes. Three pieces of key terrain dominate the Shia-Kot Valley; a long ridgeline to the west dubbed “Whale”; a second ridgeline to the east called Takur Ghar; and a small ridge to the south called “The Finger’. Special Operations Forces (SOF) along with Afghan fighters called “Task Force Hammer” would block southern and northern entry via the Whale after which they would push into the valley (Kugler, 2007). Meanwhile Combined Joint
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The initial plan was modified on the first day of battle due to several unforeseen circumstances. Initial estimates of enemy troops we significantly lower than the reality, the friendly Afghan fighters left the battle initially, the chain of command was not cohesive, close air support (CAS) was not considered necessary making it limited, and troops did not have a clear understanding of available assets. By the end of the third day most of the issues were corrected, The Northern Alliance Soldiers came with tanks, additional coalition Soldiers arrived, and additional CAS was brought in. Operation Anaconda became the largest battle in Afghanistan, enemy forces were unable to mount such a large fighting force as well trained and willing to hold their ground in one location again. Ultimately the battle cost eight lives and over 50 friendly wounded. The operation was considered a success due to the number of enemy that had fled or died as well as the ability of the military to adapt and overcome difficult …show more content…
The fourth principle: Exercise Disciplined Initiative meaning acting within the commander’s intent without orders when situations change, orders no long apply, or opportunities present themselves. The forces on ground had a clear commander’s intent of securing the valley and each assigned unit knew the locations they were assigned. Disciplined initiative was exercised several times throughout the mission ultimately leading to its success. Extra CAS was quickly committed to the battle, additional troops were brought in with mortar support, and command structures were
The initial plan was modified on the first day of battle due to several unforeseen circumstances. Initial estimates of enemy troops we significantly lower than the reality, the friendly Afghan fighters left the battle initially, the chain of command was not cohesive, close air support (CAS) was not considered necessary making it limited, and troops did not have a clear understanding of available assets. By the end of the third day most of the issues were corrected, The Northern Alliance Soldiers came with tanks, additional coalition Soldiers arrived, and additional CAS was brought in. Operation Anaconda became the largest battle in Afghanistan, enemy forces were unable to mount such a large fighting force as well trained and willing to hold their ground in one location again. Ultimately the battle cost eight lives and over 50 friendly wounded. The operation was considered a success due to the number of enemy that had fled or died as well as the ability of the military to adapt and overcome difficult …show more content…
The fourth principle: Exercise Disciplined Initiative meaning acting within the commander’s intent without orders when situations change, orders no long apply, or opportunities present themselves. The forces on ground had a clear commander’s intent of securing the valley and each assigned unit knew the locations they were assigned. Disciplined initiative was exercised several times throughout the mission ultimately leading to its success. Extra CAS was quickly committed to the battle, additional troops were brought in with mortar support, and command structures were