Episode 713: Seth Folsom's, Nothing Here Worth Dying For

Returning to Midrats this week to discuss his latest non-fiction novel is Seth W.B. Folsom, Colonel, USMC (Ret.).

From the Amazon page:
Nothing Here Worth Dying For tells the story of his command of Task Force Lion—a “purpose-built” combat advisor team—and his frenetic 2017 deployment to Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. Charged with the daunting task of advising, assisting, and enabling the Iraqi Security Forces in their fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Folsom and his team of Marines and sailors struggled to support their Iraqi partners in the Jazeera Operations Command while simultaneously grappling with their own leadership for their relevance on the battlefield.…As with the author’s previous books, Nothing Here Worth Dying For focuses on individual Marine actions at the tactical and operational levels while also addressing regional events that contributed to the overall narrative of the U.S. war in Iraq. Folsom describes his unpopular decision to prioritize his team members and their mission to support the Iraqi army above the desires of his own military service branch. As the final operation against ISIS in western Al Anbar gained steam, he questioned the wisdom of the military leadership to which he had dedicated his entire adult life.

Showlinks

• Nothing Here Worth Dying For
• The Highway War: A Marine Company Commander in Iraq
• In the Gray Area: A Marine Advisor Team at War
• Where Youth and Laughter Go: With ‘the Cutting Edge in Afghanistan

Summary

This conversation delves into the complexities of military operations in Iraq, focusing on the formation and challenges faced by Task Force Lion during the fight against ISIS. Colonel Seth Folsom shares insights on the cultural dynamics, logistical feats, and the intricate relationships between various military and coalition forces. The discussion highlights the sacrifices made by service members and the ongoing questions about the purpose and impact of their missions.

Takeaways

• The rise of ISIS in 2014 prompted a swift military response.
• Task Force Lion was formed from diverse units, creating unique challenges.
• Cultural differences between U.S. and Iraqi forces impacted operations.
• Logistical coordination was crucial for mission success.
• The PMF played a significant role in the fight against ISIS.
• Command structures were complex and often convoluted.
• The importance of building a cohesive team was emphasized.
• Leadership involved navigating various military and political dynamics.
• Sacrifices made by service members were a central theme.
• Reflections on the purpose of military engagement remain relevant.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction and Context of the Long War
02:56: The Rise of ISIS and Initial Responses
05:39: Building Task Force Lion
08:12: Challenges of Individual Augments
10:54: Mission Overview and Arrival in Iraq
13:49: The Complex Landscape of Iraqi Forces
16:12: The Role of PMF and Tribal Forces
19:09: Navigating Command Structures and Relationships
36:42: Challenges of Coalition Operations
39:59: Authority and Responsibility in Combat
40:54: Logistical Feats in a War Zone
45:19: The Complexity of Joint Operations
47:50: Cultural Differences in Military Operations
55:17: Reflections on Purpose and Sacrifice

Seth W. B. Folsom is a retired Marine Corps colonel who served more than twenty-eight years in uniform. Throughout the Global War on Terror, he deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he commanded in combat at the company, battalion, and task force levels. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Naval Postgraduate School, and the Marine Corps War College, he is the author of “The Highway War: A Marine Company Commander in Iraq;” “In the Gray Area: A Marine Advisor Team at War;” “Where Youth and Laughter Go: With ‘the Cutting Edge in Afghanistan;” and “Nothing Here Worth Dying For: Task Force Lion in Iraq.” He, his family, and their needy, spoiled cat live in Southern California.