Task Force K-Bar

Task Force K-Bar

Norwegian SOF from Task Force K-Bar in Afghanistan, 2002.
Active October 2001 – April 2002
Country  United States
 Norway
 Canada
 New Zealand
 Germany
 Denmark
 Turkey
Type Special Operations
Size 2,800
Part of Special Operations Command Central
Garrison/HQ Oman
Southeastern Afghanistan
Engagements War in Afghanistan
Decorations Presidential Unit Citation
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Robert Harward

Led by the United States and composed of special operations forces from seven nations, Task Force K-Bar (originally Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - South (CJSOTF-SOUTH)) was the first major ground deployment in the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, operating from October 2001 to April 2002.[1]

Originally operating out of Oman's Masirah Air Base before deploying themselves directly in southeastern Afghanistan, K-Bar was under the command of then-Captain Robert Harward, a US Navy SEAL.[2][3] Harward was full of praise for the troops under his command, and later stated that the Canadian Joint Task Force 2 team was his first choice for any direct action mission.[4]

In total, K-Bar ran 42 reconnaissance and surveillance missions, and an unreported number of combat missions that resulted in the capture of 107 Afghans and the deaths of at least 115.[1]

In 2004, the units participating in Task Force K-Bar were each awarded the Presidential Unit Citation by George W. Bush for their service in Afghanistan.[4] The Task Force was composed of U.S. Navy SEALs, Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen, U.S. Army Special Forces, U.S. Air Force Combat Controllers, and coalition special operations forces from Canada, Norway, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand and Turkey.[5] The task force comprised approximately 2,800 troops, 1,300 operating in Afghanistan and another 1,500 based throughout the theater of operations.[6]

In a recent book released in Norwegian about the special forces of Norway, US admiral Bob Harward praised the Norwegian contributions; " I can attest to the fact that the Norwegian special operators were absolutely critical to the success of our operations. They came to the fight with specialized skill sets for operating in mountain and arctic climates that enabled the survival and effectiveness of the entire coalition of special operators. Just as important, was the planning and staff experience the Norwegian SOF proved to the operational expertise of the entire Task Force effort. As a direct result of their partnership, our unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest honor the United States bestows on a military unit for which President George W. Bush personally delivered the award". [7]

Member nations

References

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