Scan barcode
A review by modernstoic
Ashley's War: The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
4.0
I have first heard about CST through military books, but they were mentioned quickly and briefly. I then saw the pictures of CST members while browsing on reddit a few months later, but never looked into it much. I finally decided to give this book a go after hearing about Ashley White from Admiral McRaven's books. He express that he felt responsible toward Ashley White's death, he was the one who helped sent her there. However, it was his admiration and respect of her and CST members was what convinced me to buy this book and read it.
Ashley's War is about a team of women who volunteered to accompany special operations capable forces to gather intel in the field as Cultural Support Team. It also covers a women named Nadia, a first generation immigrant interpreter. Her story is also incredible and interesting. I'm 25, so I'm just slightly older than Ashley before she was KIA. I'm in constant admiration for what these women have done. Facing, sexism, uncertainty, loneliness, and the terror of war, these women paved the path to prove to others that women have a place in the frontlines of combat. Due to the nature of Counter Insurgency Warfare they were experienced firefights anyways. They often face adversity unique to them due to their gender, yet they overcome and adapt.
This book does a great job explaining what being a CST was like from the perspective of various member. It is inspiring, but doesn't hold back on various details (One CST being raped by fellow service member, afghan-American interpreters viewed suspiciously/treated poorly, etc)
I recommend this book to understand CST. I wouldn't really recommend it if you want to know about the war in general though. It very much is through the eyes of CST members.
Ashley's War is about a team of women who volunteered to accompany special operations capable forces to gather intel in the field as Cultural Support Team. It also covers a women named Nadia, a first generation immigrant interpreter. Her story is also incredible and interesting. I'm 25, so I'm just slightly older than Ashley before she was KIA. I'm in constant admiration for what these women have done. Facing, sexism, uncertainty, loneliness, and the terror of war, these women paved the path to prove to others that women have a place in the frontlines of combat. Due to the nature of Counter Insurgency Warfare they were experienced firefights anyways. They often face adversity unique to them due to their gender, yet they overcome and adapt.
This book does a great job explaining what being a CST was like from the perspective of various member. It is inspiring, but doesn't hold back on various details (One CST being raped by fellow service member, afghan-American interpreters viewed suspiciously/treated poorly, etc)
I recommend this book to understand CST. I wouldn't really recommend it if you want to know about the war in general though. It very much is through the eyes of CST members.