The Outpost

An Untold Story of American Valor

By: Jake Tapper

Narrated by: Rob Shapiro

The basis of the film starring Orlando Bloom and Scott Eastwood, The Outpost is the heartbreaking and inspiring story of one of America's deadliest battles during the war in Afghanistan, acclaimed by critics everywhere as a classic.

At 5:58 a.m. on October 3, 2009, Combat Outpost Keating, located in frighteningly vulnerable terrain in Afghanistan just 14 miles from the Pakistani border, was viciously attacked. Though the 53 Americans there prevailed against nearly 400 Taliban fighters, their casualties made it the deadliest fight of the war for the U.S. that year. Four months after the battle, a Pentagon review revealed that there was no reason for the troops at Keating to have been there in the first place.

In The Outpost, Jake Tapper gives us the powerful saga of COP Keating, from its establishment to eventual destruction, introducing us to an unforgettable cast of soldiers and their families, and to a place and war that has remained profoundly distant to most Americans. A runaway best seller, it makes a savage war real, and American courage manifest.

"The Outpost is a mind-boggling, all-too-true story of heroism, hubris, failed strategy, and heartbreaking sacrifice. If you want to understand how the war in Afghanistan went off the rails, you need to read this book." (Jon Krakauer)

©2012 Jake Tapper (P)2012 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"Tapper's sassy style...gives the book a humorous angle that probably won't be found in most mainstream books about Election 2000....For those who are looking for an insider's view and tales, this is the book to buy." (National Journal)

"Tapper, the network's ambitious, telegenic senior White House correspondent, has made a name for himself as a tough questioner...ABC's tenacious reporter is already proving to be the new star of the White House press pack." (The Daily Beast)

What is this thing called war?

This book makes me ask the question, "What the h___ are we doing in Afghanistan?" Bring our boys home and stop this useless slaughter!!! I am so sorry we have lost so many fabulous people in needless political wars. Too many wives are young widows. Too many children are raised fatherless. It makes me weep.

makes me even more grateful

long story but at no point is it boring. This gives a detailed account of not only the battle but the circumstances leading up to it. if you enjoy this you'll love red platoon.

Could not stop listening

Could not stop listening, loved it will definitely recommend to others. sad story but it was the truth.

I wish it was required reading.

narration was ×+ I hope to hear him again. America's culture is to blame for this. the idea we are so smart and right leads to so many mistakes we are have today in 2020. if we had really wanted to go over to other countries with the idea of truly changing life's then we should send preachers.school teachers and doctors. rifles and bullets won't ever do it. look at American Indians has their lives changed for good since the take over of their
lands and beliefs? tremendous book. bravo

Powerful story

This is a detailed and complete rendering that needed to be told. It accomplished the author’s purpose. And, it should give voice to the troops who served on Afghanistan and similar wars and conflicts.

I felt the impact to the soldiers as described by the author. Well written and researched.

Must read

Incredible story not given much light in the United States of incredibly strong American soldiers.

Awesome

Could not put this down. This story is not to be missed !!! Lots of heroes is this book

Great book, ok narrator.

Great book! The first several chapters brought me back to Afghanistan in 2006 where I tracked and coordinated MEDEVAC support from Bagram airbase, though my experience was not out in the fight like these brave heroes. It was fascinating, yet frustrating to here the progression of an under-resourced fight. Excellently written. Narrator is ok, has passion, but spent more time learning how to pronounce Afghan villages than basic Army terminology. Highly recommend overall.

Painful to listen to

Great story and performance. eye opening to the struggles faced in Afghanistan war.

Spoiler:
When author begins to give background information on a character, don't get too attached.

Paints the picture

The Outpost is a great read. Tapper captures the story of the Soldiers and the units who patrolled eastern Afghanistan from 06-09. The Soldiers' lives become real as do their losses. The book uncovers many heroes in the outpost's three year life. Tapper's work also leads to larger questions on strategic policy between the executive, state, and military without becoming distracted by the issue. Tapper keeps the reader focused on the US troops as individuals, not as numbers and this is their story and a testament to their service.