The Fort Bragg Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces

Consider Harp’s depiction of addiction within the special operations community. Does the prevalence of addiction among servicemembers stand as a metaphor for broader institutional “addictions”—to war, secrecy, or high-tech weaponry for example?

Analyze Harp’s treatment of the relationship between the US military and the drug trade. How does this relationship challenge official narratives about patriotism and lawfulness?

Examine Harp’s blending of investigative journalism and literary technique in telling the story. How does his narrative style influence the reader’s understanding of secrecy and truth?

Analyze the connection between masculinity, violence, and identity among special operations soldiers. How does Harp depict the psychological cost of the “operator” ideal?

Discuss the significance of the Dumas “blackmail letter” and the missing thumb drive. How does this lost evidence illustrate the harmful effects of military secrecy? How does Harp show that this incident is part of a larger pattern?

Explore the role of bureaucracy and command hierarchy in concealing misconduct. How does Harp demonstrate the tension between loyalty and legality within the chain of command?

Compare Harp’s portrayal of modern special operations with their Cold War origins. How does Delta Force’s transformation reflect changes in American warfare?

Analyze the symbolism of Fort Bragg’s renaming to Fort Liberty and its later reversal. How does the change encapsulate Harp’s view on the possibility of reform?