Forward Operating Base Gardez

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FOB Gardez was a U.S. military outpost near the city of Gardez in Paktia Province, Afghanistan, close to the Pakistan border and about 100 kilometers south of Kabul. It faced regular attacks in 2003.

In August 2011, a truck exploded at the gate, killing two Afghan guards and causing little damage to the base. The Taliban claimed huge casualties and said helicopters were destroyed, but those claims were not supported by the incident.

Living conditions at Gardez and nearby bases were fairly austere because of their remote locations, though troops received mail and supplies regularly. Phone and e-mail contact with families varied, and monthly helicopter visits from AAFES staff based in Bagram and Kandahar allowed soldiers to buy personal items.

FOB Gardez was closed in November 2014 by the Army Reserve’s 319th Movement Control Team from Dover, Delaware. The base had been run by the 101st Airborne Division, Easy Company of the 1st/506th Infantry (Band of Brothers).

On March 16, 2003, Jamal Nasser, an Afghan militiaman in U.S. custody, died at Gardez. He and seven others had been captured earlier that month. An investigation into the death looked into possible cover-ups by a Green Beret unit. In 2004, the death was attributed to a kidney infection, but later reviews suggested misconduct. After a two-year investigation, no one was held responsible, though several soldiers received reprimands for failing to report his death. Reports also noted that Afghan Governor Raz Mohammed Dalili urged U.S. troops to address illegal roadblocks on the Khost-Gardez highway.