In a fierce firefight in the deadly Kunar Province Afghanistan, 101st Airborne Division soldiers out of Combat Outpost Monti get ambushed. The event gets captured on video.  Private Justin Greer, takes a  round to the Kevlar helmet and within seconds his Infantry brother takes over his position in the gun turret.   They responded with professionalism and bravery that should make any American proud. God Bless the Infantry!


On Location: A Firefight in Kunar Province -By James Foley

Before this summer, IED and suicide vest attacks seemed confined to the south. But this company has lost seven soldiers to such attacks. They have also reportedly killed more than 200 Taliban, according to their company commander.

The ambush I recorded on video for GlobalPost Aug. 26 was not particularly unique.  Unfortunately, it’s an all too common occurrence for the soldiers patrolling here. Soldiers from Monti have been ambushed from the nearby steep mountainsides at least three times. The Taliban are known for being creatures of habit, using the same ambush spot if it proves effective.  The difference is that this time the first truck was hit with a “lucky shot” which disabled it and the driver.  I don’t want to go into more detail per Army operation security rules for embedded reporters.

When Pvt. Justin Greer got hit in the helmet, at first it didn’t seem real. I’ve noticed this immediate reaction in myself before. The mind, for several seconds, acts like it’s watching a movie.  If this lasts for more than several seconds, one could freeze and really put themselves in danger.  I’ve never seen an infantry soldier freeze. They’ve been trained to react to contact and in Kunar, their buddies’ lives depend on it.

Greer also appeared amazed with how close the bullet came to killing him. He showed me the bullet hole and the round he found in his helmet, before tucking it in his pocket as keepsake.  Most likely it was an indirect shot, those Kevlar helmets rarely can stop a direct AK-47 7.62 round.  A reporter told me that the layers of Kevlar in the U.S. helmet are actually designed to split and channel bullets, like Greer’s seemed to do.

Once one has overcome the initial shock, time either slows down or speeds up, that is to say, time doesn’t really exist, only the incoming danger and damage.  This is a good thing.  The body hasn’t gone into shock, but acts as training has prepared it.  In my case, I am usually able to shoot video, to varying degrees of success depending on how shaky I am while moving for cover.

It always amazes me how brave these guys are.  But I’m a civilian with no previous military experience.  Not only are these guys used to taking fire several times a week, they have leaders – soldiers who have had more than one deployment and performed under many horrific, mind-boggling conditions.  One yell or decisive action from such a leader can make all the difference in how the younger soldiers act and ultimately ensure the safety of the entire patrol.

You see this in how Pvt. Jon Duran and Jesse Townsend were able to remove their severely wounded driver and wrap a tourniquet around his arm despite suffering smoke inhalation and symptoms of a concussion.


If you’re ever in Kunar province, it’s highly suggested to have a good supply of these tactical tourniquets and……..a good set of balls!

Click here For Wiki on the 101st Airborne Division


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