What would the war do without me? This chronicle by award-winning author Ray McPadden recounts his journey as a decorated Ranger Officer during the Iraq and Afghan wars. In 2005, Ray joined the army seeking "the moment" to prove his leadership to himself and his comrades. He is tasked with establishing the first outpost in Afghanistan's deadliest valley, where his decisions will leave a lasting impact on his men. Over a fifteen-month tour, his unit faces nearly 50 percent casualties while earning numerous valor decorations, ultimately achieving their mission in an unwinnable land. Ray's success with a rifle platoon leads him to the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, a distinction held by less than 1 percent of US Army officers. He spearheads the first joint-strike force of Army Rangers and Navy SEALs, conducting lightning raids against foreign agents during a tumultuous period of combat. In 2009, Ray returns to the same region where his military career began, tasked with leading Rangers against a target he knows well: the home of friends from his first tour. This final raid pits him against an unexpected enemy, forcing him to confront his inner turmoil. This narrative is a visceral exploration of growing up, leadership, and the complex nature of war and its aftermath.
