Ashley's War

The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield

De: Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Narrado por: Kathe Mazur

In 2010, the Army created Cultural Support Teams, a secret pilot program to insert women alongside Special Operations soldiers battling in Afghanistan. The Army reasoned that women could play a unique role on Special Ops teams: accompanying their male colleagues on raids and, while those soldiers were searching for insurgents, questioning the mothers, sisters, daughters and wives living at the compound. Their presence had a calming effect on enemy households, but more importantly, the CSTs were able to search adult women for weapons and gather crucial intelligence. They could build relationships—woman to woman—in ways that male soldiers in an Islamic country never could.

In Ashley's War, Gayle Tzemach Lemmon uses on-the-ground reporting and a finely tuned understanding of the complexities of war to tell the story of CST-2, a unit of women hand-picked from the Army to serve in this highly specialized and challenging role. The pioneers of CST-2 proved for the first time, at least to some grizzled Special Operations soldiers, that women might be physically and mentally tough enough to become one of them.

The price of this professional acceptance came in personal loss and social isolation: the only people who really understand the women of CST-2 are each other. At the center of this story is a friendship cemented by "Glee," video games, and the shared perils and seductive powers of up-close combat. At the heart of the team is the tale of a beloved and effective soldier, Ashley White.

Much as she did in her bestselling The Dressmaker of Khair Khana, Lemmon transports readers to a world they previously had no idea existed: a community of women called to fulfill the military's mission to "win hearts and minds" and bound together by danger, valor, and determination. Ashley's War is a gripping combat narrative and a moving story of friendship—a book that will change the way readers think about war and the meaning of service.

Exceptional women

This was a window into a world about young women I did not realize existed. Normally I would not pick this type of book but read it on the recommendation of Cynthia who I follow on audible. I am so very glad I listened to it.

Told Everyone About It.

The subject matter alone made it worth the purchase cost. The book's format uses Ashley White as a central character, but the main idea is that of women in combat, and the belated integration of same. I wished very much for more combat anecdotes, but that shouldn't dissuade you from getting the audiobook. It opened my eyes to several realities faced by women in the armed forces, and those who aspire to serve in a combat capacity. It also made me want to get my sneaks on and go for a run!

As an aside, Reese Witherspoon bought the movie production rights, so we'll probably see this one on the big screen soon.

Believer

this book is unbelievable in the fact of how it tells the story. the narrator's little monotone for my liking but the text keeps you going no matter what and that's the main thing really. if you haven't already form an opinion on women in the military on combat jobs this will definitely push you towards this.

Great Book About Some Impressive Women

I thought this was going to be an anti-war type book, but it is just the opposite.
I was pleased to hear how tough some of our female soldiers are, and how they are contributing to our war effort.
The book doesn't focus on just one woman, but covers several who are amazing. It has both funny and serious stories that will make you want to listen.

TREMENDOUS, INSPIRING

My first knowledge of this book was a review; I thought it might be interesting..... It was absolutely riveting, wonderful!!!

Outstanding!!!

Rarely do I give book reviews but this one deserves to be noted. The courage and commitment displayed is convicting. Please take the time to read. It is time well spent.
Thank you Ashley!!

Excellent True Story!

I thoroughly enjoyed following these extraordinary women who gave their whole hearts, minds, bodies, and souls to this new program in our military. This is a must read and should be shared with daughters across the world! You truly can do anything you put your mind to!

Great listen!

What a great inspirational story of a female soldier!!! I highly recommend this story for everyone!

slow start but WOW.

Slow start but keep going. in no time at all you will be engrossed in the story and cant walk away.

Powerful and Appreciated

I appreciated the background history of the soldiers, supporters and family members that went into the story. The honesty and detail that went into the writing allowed me to realize an experience and a comradeship only as powerful as a retelling can allow. The mere fact that the CSTs felt like they needed to continue in their role and could not return back to their pre CST existence speaks clearly to this. These warriors made history with courage, honour and pride. This was a fascinating story that I highly recommend to all.