This intensive 2-hour course examines Operation Anaconda (March 2002)—the first large-scale, multi-branch battle of Operation Enduring Freedom. Students will explore the planning, execution, and outcome of the battle, paying special attention to intelligence miscalculations, interagency friction, and the difficult mountain terrain that shaped the operation.
The course uses Sean Naylor’s Not a Good Day to Die as its core reading, providing unmatched detail and firsthand reporting from the soldiers, SOF teams, and commanders who fought in the Shah-i-Kot Valley.

PAST SESSIONS
Nov 28th, 2025.
The intensive 2-hour session explores the Battle of Tora Bora (December 2001), one of the most pivotal engagements of the early Global War on Terror. Students will examine the operational decisions, intelligence claims, and strategic consequences that allowed Osama Bin Laden to evade capture.
These live sessions involve short intensive presentations and live discussions with IPAK-EDU instructor, Aly Alford. Bimonthly (2 time per month) by zoom. Access to this upcoming on gives you access to past videos as well.
