The Real Horse Soldiers
in Afghanistan
I
Green Berets) who responded to the terrorist attacks of 9/11,
12
Strong. Many of you have seen this movie, but you probably
Robert “Bob” Pennington, who was the Deputy Detachment
Commander of ODA-595, lives right here in north Atlanta. In the
movie, Pennington’s character was renamed Hal Spencer and was
portrayed by Michael Shannon. The Detachment Commander
was led by Captain Mark Nutsch, and his character was renamed
Mitch Nelson and was portrayed by Chris Hemsworth.
Recently, Real Hero Report sat down with Pennington to hear
how the mission actually happened.
Pennington was the
detachment leader of ODA
595, assigned to the 5th Special
Forces Group in Ft. Campbell,
Kentucky on the morning of
9/11, and the team was on a
training mission nearby when
they learned of the terrorist
attacks of that fateful morning.
They immediately headed
back to Ft. Campbell. As
depicted in the movie, Nutsch
previously had been the Captain
of the detachment but had been
reassigned to a staff position.
At the insistence of Pennington,
Nutsch was reassigned to the
team. A plan to go in country
then was approved, and in less
ODA 595 headed to Uzbekistan
on the morning of October 5,
rescue downed American pilots, but that mission was assumed
by the U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Squadron. ODA 595 then
presented a new mission plan to Colonel Mulholland, Joint
Special Operations Task Force-North Commander, after a plan
presented by another detachment had been rejected. ODA-595,
was tasked to conduct Unconventional Warfare in support of
General Abdul Rashid Dostum of the Norther Alliance (NA).
20 | October 2019 | Real Hero Report
The mission was to begin on October 17, but due to weather
delays, it did not begin until October 19, on which date the
team headed to HLZ ALBATROSS, Base Camp Alamo, which
was located approximately 50 miles southeast of Mazar-e
was executed by the Army’s elite Special Operations Aviation
Regiment, Task Force 160.
landed on near the compound. Trailing them by 10 minutes was
Dostum and an additional 30 horsemen. They were all carrying
The introductions and translation for this initial meeting was
conducted by the Other Government Agency (OGA) team leader,
sat down on a carpeted mound inside the compound for an hour
long discussion. Dostum produced a map, explaining his strategy
and campaign plan to Nutsch. Dostum wanted to take only four
personnel from the ODA to his mountain HQ, by horseback, but
were prepared for the team to use in accompanying Dostum.
Nutsch, Pennington and MSG Paul quickly decided that the
detachment should split into two teams of six. This was due to
the logistical support of transportation assets. Nutsch would
command the Alpha Team, consisting of himself, SFC Andy, SFC
Bennett, SFC Vince, SFC Steve, and SSG Pete. And Pennington
would command the Bravo Team of consisting of himself, MSG
Day for ODA 595.
team would split and ride horses to Dostum’s mountain CP.