Today on WAR ROOM

Retired General Joseph Votel joins host Tom Spahr to revisit Objective Rhino—the high-stakes October 2001 mission that put the first overt U.S. boots on the ground in Afghanistan. General Votel, who commanded the 75th Ranger Regiment during the airborne assault, reflects on the realities of plunging into the unknown shortly after September 11. He explains how what began as a rapid airfield seizure quickly evolved into a broader campaign of desert raids, forcing elite light infantry to overcome demanding mobility and logistical hurdles.
Beyond the battlefield, General Votel shares vital leadership lessons. He discusses why tactical success must align with realistic strategic goals and honest conversations about risk. He also highlights the importance of fostering strong, curious partnerships with intelligence teams, urging future leaders to listen to ground-level experts, adapt as situations evolve, and stay grounded in the fundamentals of sound leadership. Tune in to explore these enduring lessons in military command and strategy.