It was the worst Marine-on-Marine friendly fire incident in modern history. But it's not in the history books. An explosion in Fallujah, Iraq left three dead, a dozen wounded, and – for high-ranking officials – a dilemma. So, why were the families of the deceased lied to? Why did the reports mysteriously disappear? And why do survivors still have to wonder about what happened on the worst day of their lives? Taking Cover, an NPR investigative series from the Embedded podcast, isn't just a show about unraveling blue-on-blue tragedy during the Iraq war. It's about what happens when we send our young to war. It's a story of betrayal, brotherhood, and what's owed – to families, the wounded and to the American public.
The Taking Cover podcast is an incredible investigative journalism series that delves deep into the tragic events and cover-up surrounding a friendly fire incident during the Iraq War. The dedication and diligence of the reporters, Graham Smith and Tom Jennings, is evident throughout each episode as they uncover important issues and share the lessons learned from this heartbreaking situation. The podcast evokes a range of emotions, often bringing tears to listeners' eyes, but it is ultimately a necessary and enlightening exploration that aims to bring peace to those affected by the tragedy and prevent similar mistakes in the future.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its amazing reporting. The research conducted by Smith and Jennings is impeccable, presenting information in a way that grabs and holds listeners' attention. They leave no stone unturned in their quest for truth, speaking with military personnel, families of the fallen soldiers, Iraqi locals, and even tracking down the family of an Iraqi interpreter who lost his life. The storytelling is riveting yet sensitive to its vulnerable subjects, ensuring their dignity remains intact while still shedding light on the profound impact of war.
Another commendable aspect of Taking Cover is its ability to create awareness and open dialogue about the sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families. By humanizing those involved in these tragic events, the podcast allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding of what soldiers go through during warfare. It prompts reflection on the role of our government and military leadership in perpetuating cover-ups that ultimately betray those who serve their country.
However, one drawback of this podcast is its slow release schedule for paid subscribers. While it is understandable that funding may be needed for such an extensive investigation, it can be frustrating for dedicated fans who want immediate access to all episodes after paying. This could potentially deter some listeners from fully supporting future projects or hinder wider dissemination of important stories like this one.
In conclusion, The Taking Cover podcast is an outstanding investigative journalism series that deserves wide recognition and praise. It serves as a vital chapter in the ongoing exploration of the United States' role in the Iraq War and exposes the injustices and cover-ups that have affected so many lives. The dedication, research, and storytelling in this podcast are a testament to the power of journalism in seeking truth and holding those in power accountable. It is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families.
New from NPR's Embedded: Marine Sgt. Joshua Abate was in the middle of a routine polygraph test to receive top-secret clearance when he made an extraordinary admission: He had followed the crowd that broke into the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. This admission leads to a different kind of January 6 story. Abate says he's not an insurrectionist. So why did it take him so long to talk openly about that day? This is episode 1 of a two-part series. To hear the final episode, head to NPR's Embedded podcast.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
In this Taking Cover update, a U.S. senator wants answers from the Marines about what went wrong - and we meet an Army soldier still serving on active duty who's been denied the truth about his war wounds. To listen to this series sponsor-free and support NPR, sign up for Embedded+ in Apple Podcasts or plus.npr.org.
Tom and Graham meet Shihab's brother in Baghdad — but he's wary. They also visit Fallujah, to find the schoolhouse and talk with people who were on the other side of the occupation. Then, finally... back to Camp Pendleton.
The team turns to Pat Tillman's family for help. Duncan Hunter the elder, and the younger, respond to NPR's questions... kind of. A breakthrough in the search for the interpreter has Tom and Graham planning a trip back to where it all began.
Tom and Graham work their way up the chain of command, looking for someone — anyone — who can explain how and why this incident was buried. One general claims he can't recall the incident. Another talks with the team at the Pentagon, then changes his story about Duncan Hunter's involvement.
As Tom and Graham work to track down the men in the courtyard, one of the wounded Marines has long remained elusive. His former comrades wonder if he's even still alive. Eventually, with help from Carlos, the team finds David. His chilling story reflects the lingering wounds of war.
Hoping to get their hands on the official investigation, the NPR team flies to Tucson. But problems begin shortly after arrival. The widow of a man who died in the explosion wants to know why the Marine Corps lied to her. Tom and Graham want to know why the recommended punishments were overturned. The team finally confirms a crucial detail from the original tip.
The wounded are evacuated. The battle subsides. Now the men of Echo 2/1 begin to wonder: What happened? The Marine Corps says "no records exist" but Tom and Graham find testimony before an obscure Congressional subcommittee that says otherwise. The team also finds that promises made — to Congress, to the families of the dead and to wounded Marines — have been broken. And, they hear from one man who knows exactly what happened in the courtyard of that schoolhouse — but they still have to wonder, why was this covered up?
NPR's Pentagon Correspondent, Tom Bowman, receives a shocking tip from a trusted source: A deadly explosion during the Iraq War was an accident—friendly fire, covered up by the Marine Corps—and the son of a powerful politician may have been involved. He partners with an old pal, Graham Smith, to investigate, and they discover the truth is even worse than the tipster realized. After dozens of interviews, the team patches together the story of the First Battle of Fallujah — the days and hours before the explosion — from the men who were there.
Hosted by NPR's Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman and Graham Smith of the Investigations unit, Taking Cover isn't just a show about the worst Marine-on-Marine friendly fire incident in modern history. It's a story of betrayal, brotherhood, and what's owed—to families, the wounded, and to the American public—when we send our young to war. Coming everywhere March 23.