Retired Army colonel details the longest deployment of Afghanistan war in book
Chris Toner wrote “485 Days of Combat” about Task Force Catamount’s deployment that began in 2006
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -A retired U.S. Army colonel has written a book about his task force’s deployment to Afghanistan, which lasted 16 months, the longest deployment during the war.
Col. Chris Toner said most deployments at the time were close to nine months long. He and the soldiers of Task Force Catamount were away from home much longer.
Deployment began in 2006
Toner and the men and women under his command in Task Force Catamount were deployed to Afghanistan in 2006.
“We got brand new privates straight out of basic training, so think about that, 17, 18, 19-year-olds, men and women, who had just come out of high school,” Toner said.
Mission changed
Toner said the operation was supposed to focus on rebuilding but quickly became deadlier.
“The enemy, the Taliban, had gathered themselves up largely across the border in Pakistan, and in the spring of 2006 launched a major offensive in Afghanistan, and the men and women of Task Force Catamount, my soldiers, our soldiers, were there to meet them,” Toner said.
“We were actually suffering more casualties in Afghanistan than we were in Iraq,” he said.
“It’s really hard to put into words and get an idea of what a typical day was like for a soldier in Afghanistan,” Toner said.
Return home delayed
After a year in Afghanistan, it was time to come home. Toner then received a call that the task force was going back.
“I feel for the general officer who had to tell the families and soldiers at Fort Drum, ‘Hey, love each other tonight, because tomorrow you’re getting on an airplane and you’re going back to Afghanistan,’” Toner said.
The task force spent four more months in Afghanistan, for a total of 16 months.
“I’m sure there was some colorful language, and some complaints, but as we moved back out onto the battlefield, they were focused, they did the things they needed to do,” Toner said.
Book honors those who served
Toner wrote the book to honor those he served with.
“I want them to know what the incredible service, commitment and valor of their sons and daughters on the battlefield,” Toner said.
Toner said he hopes the book keeps their memory and sacrifice alive.
“I hope that not just Kansans, but all Americans reflect on the sacrifice of those that have served this country and served others,” he said.
Toner’s book is called “485 Days of Combat.” It is available on Amazon.
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