Steve MacBeth, a three-tour Afghan war veteran, offers a compelling, first-hand account of Canada’s involvement in one of the most protracted and most complex conflicts of the 21st century. Through vivid and unfiltered interviews with 150 frontline soldiers, this collection captures the diverse experiences of those who served. These soldiers share their stories from the front lines of Afghanistan, detailing the challenges, sacrifices, and moments of camaraderie they encountered. The title, inspired by the military expression “no names, no pack drill”—intended to ensure lessons are learned from soldiers’ experiences without identifying those involved—reflects the humility and quiet professionalism of the Canadian soldiers, who are culturally uncomfortable with recognition for their service.

From harrowing combat operations to the calmer, often overlooked aspects of deployment, these personal stories provide a raw and intimate portrait of the war. Shared from one veteran to another, these stories are told using the soldier’s vernacular, ensuring that the voices were genuine and answered basic questions for the record:

• “What was Afghanistan like for you?”
• “What were the tastes and smells like?”
• “How did you feel when you killed or when someone tried to kill you?”
• “What did you carry?”
• “What were your daily routines?”
• “How did it feel when you came home?”
• “Was it worth it?”

This book is not about building discourse on Canada’s strategy in Afghanistan. It leaves complex political discussions behind. It does not try to put the experiences into context or explain who was right or wrong or whether the tactical decisions made were good or bad. It strips the events down to their rawest form and shares them in the words of those who lived in Canada’s experience in Afghanistan. The work bears witness to the experiences of the average soldier and provides a historical first-person record for future generations. This gripping collection reveals the untold human side of modern warfare, shedding light on its profound impact on those who served.