"The eight actions described in these pages take the reader through a wide range of platoon-level operations, from an intense firefight near Kandahar to an intricate civic action project in Kunar Province. Drawing from dozens of soldier interviews, these accounts vividly depict the actions themselves and offer critical insights of greatest benefit to the small-unit leaders of today and tomorrow"--Foreword.

Firefight above Gowardesh / by John C. Mountcastle -- Ambushing the Taliban: a US platoon in the Korengal Valley / by Scott J. Gaitley -- Flipping the switch: weapons platoon movement to contact in Zhari District, June 2010 / by Michael J. Doidge -- Forging alliances at Yargul village: a lieutenant's struggle to improve security and control floods / by Anthony E. Carlson -- Operation Strong Eagle: combat action in the Ghakhi Valley / by John J. McGrath -- Disrupt and destroy: platoon patrol in Zhari District September 2010 / by Matt M. Matthews -- Trapping the Taliban at Op Dusty: a scout platoon in the Zhari District / by Kevin M. Hymel -- Objective Lexington: -- Cougar Company under fire in the Ganjgal Valley Afghanistan, March 2011 / by Ryan D. Wadle.