Episode 5: Sean Naylor

Why are we still talking about Takur Ghar, 23 years later?

In this episode of The After-Action Report, I’m joined by Sean Naylor, a seasoned journalist and author who was embedded with the 101st Airborne during Operation Anaconda in 2002. For more than two decades, Naylor has been digging into the battle on Takur Ghar, uncovering the hard lessons and lingering controversies that still shape military thinking today.

We dive into the operational missteps, the impact of command decisions, and the ongoing debates surrounding military honors—including the Medal of Honor awarded to John Chapman. Sean also shares his perspective on the challenges of reporting in military environments and offers insight into his latest work, covering the mysterious Havana Syndrome affecting diplomats and spies.

* Buy Sean’s 2005 book, Not a Good Day to Die, on Amazon.

* Read Sean’s 2016 interview with Britt Slabinski in The New York Times.

* Sean’s explosive 2018 report in Newsweek.

* His report this month is in Air & Space Forces magazine.

* Don’t miss Sean’s explosive report on Havana Syndrome in The High Side.

Credits: Theme music by Ryan Hettena

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