Read the latest articles from Task & Purpose (Page 217)

'I do think that there are a lot of people that are trying to white-knuckle it right now.'

"I haven't found a way to explain it with any words I know," one Marine said.

"I needed gems for the good of the clan."

'Soldiers are trained to conduct themselves in a respectful manner and adhere to the Army values... They are also held accountable when they do not.'

"At this point, I am just tired of continuously chasing support and money to do my job."

'Easley fought for his country, and when he needed help, his country let him down.'

It looks nothing like the recruiting pitch being sold to American teenagers, which is probably why the Marine Corps itself wanted nothing to do with it.

Any prognosis of Washington’s misadventure in Afghanistan must account for three critical errors in judgment, each of which proved to be a major inflection point in the conflict.

"Crap that’s even more paperwork.”

'To me, the most indefensible component of everything that occurred was just the delay in getting the interpreters out because that is something that was within our control.'

It's called art, ever heard of it?

“Many see it as just a cargo aircraft. To me, it was always a vessel of hope."

Nothing says "hello" from one fighting force to another like a bunch of crude dick drawings

'In this division, leaders jump first, eat last – always.'

"He could have done whatever he wanted, but he wanted to serve his country.”

“This is the most American thing that’s ever happened."

"All I ask for is accountability: for people to comment and to say ‘yes, mistakes were made.’"

"There is no greater honor for a Marine to be called to save Americans...That is what my Marines did. They will always be my heroes."

For the time being, it appears as if the original Forever War is now over. 

The mission continues — for now.