The Former Marine

It was a cold night in the Afghan countryside when Derek Rogan arrived at the forward base where he would rendezvous with DEVGRU—the famous U.S. Naval Special Warfare Development Unit, known for carrying out the most secretive and dangerous operations. Although he was accustomed to operating on high-risk missions, knowing that he would be working with one of the most feared elite units in the world gave Derek a sense of anticipation.

He had crossed paths with a few DEVGRU operators on previous missions, but this time, it would be different. It would be a joint mission—an infiltration and neutralization plan of high strategic value. The objective: to eliminate a key terrorist leader who had taken refuge on a difficult-to-access mountain, heavily guarded by his militia.

When Derek arrived at the camp, he was greeted by a tall, burly man with a well-groomed beard and piercing eyes.

"You must be Rogan," the man said, extending his hand. "I am Master Chief Ryan Matthews, leader of Bravo Team."

"It's a pleasure, Master Chief," Derek replied, shaking his hand firmly.

Matthews gave him a small smile.

"I've heard of you. MARSOC operator, huh? Sounds like we have someone who can keep up with us."

Derek smiled back, understanding that despite the friendly tone, there was a hint of competition between the elite teams.

"I'm sure I'll fit in."

"We'll see," Matthews replied, patting Derek on the shoulder before turning to the other DEVGRU men who were approaching.

During the briefing, Matthews explained the plan with the precision of someone who had done this many times. The mission would be divided into two phases. First, infiltrate the mountainous region, avoiding the attention of enemy patrols. Then, eliminate the primary target, a Taliban leader who was reorganizing forces and threatening the security of local military operations.

As Matthews spoke, Derek watched the team. The DEVGRU operators were impeccable in their discipline and their silence. The atmosphere of preparation was one of extreme concentration and professionalism, but with a familiarity that only time and combat experience could provide.

"Once we reach the infiltration point," Matthews continued, "it will be essential that we maintain radio silence until we confirm the target's location. Rogan, you will be our reconnaissance specialist. I need you to check the vicinity of the village where he is hiding before we give the signal to advance."

Derek nodded, already mentally visualizing the terrain. "Understood. I will recon and report back as soon as I have a clear view."

The night of the operation was shrouded in heavy silence. Derek, along with the DEVGRU operators, were transported in Black Hawk helicopters to a secure extraction point in the mountains. They descended on ropes, moving with precision and agility, even in the rocky and hostile terrain.

Once on the ground, the team split up. Derek led the recon unit, advancing through the rocks and trees that sloped down the hillside. The terrain was treacherous, with narrow cliffs and deep valleys. He was used to this type of terrain, but he could not underestimate the enemy, who was always alert.

Reaching a safe position overlooking the village where the target was hiding, Derek activated his night vision equipment and began to scan the area. The village was small, with mud houses scattered among the hills. There was little movement, but he could see guards moving around the edges, well-armed and alert.

"Bravo, this is Rogan," he whispered into the radio. "I have visual on the guards. Estimate four to five patrolling the area. The target should be in the larger building in the center."

"Roger, Rogan," Matthews replied. "We are still on plan. We will move in five minutes. Keep an eye out."

Derek held his ground as he watched the DEVGRU team approach. They moved like shadows in the night, invisible and deadly. When the group reached the village, it was as if time slowed down.

The attack began quickly and efficiently. DEVGRU eliminated the silenced guards, moving from one point to the next undetected. Derek, keeping his cover, watched the surroundings, ready to intervene if necessary.

Within minutes, small controlled explosions could be heard, indicating that the team had entered the main house. Moments later, Derek's radio crackled.

"Target neutralized," came Matthews's steady voice. "We are ready for extraction. Rogan, come to the rendezvous point."

Derek quickly descended from his position, meeting the team at the exit of the village. The target was dead, and the body would be taken for identification and confirmation. They moved quickly through the mountains until they reached the extraction point, where the Black Hawks were already waiting.

Back at base, the team quietly celebrated the mission's success. There were no big celebrations or cheers of victory; just the relief of another mission accomplished. Derek, sitting by the makeshift campfire, was greeted by the DEVGRU team members who recognized his performance and skill in the field.

"Good job there, Rogan," Matthews said, handing him a bottle of water as he sat down next to him. "You did better than I expected."

"Thank you, Master Chief," Derek replied. "You guys are an elite team, it was an honor to work with you."

"Who knows, maybe you'll join us someday," Matthews said with a smile, though Derek knew deep down that he was just testing the waters. "But I'm sure MARSOC wouldn't want to lose you so soon."

Derek laughed, shaking his head. "I think MARSOC has enough plans for me."

Over the next few days, Derek and the DEVGRU team went on a few more missions together. The synergy between the operators was remarkable, and Derek quickly gained the trust of the men on Bravo Team. Each mission, each infiltration, felt like a continuous test of skill, but Derek rose to the occasion.

Despite the rigors of the operations, Derek enjoyed the quiet camaraderie. There was no need for excessive words. Trust was built through action, in the field, where lives depended on every move.

As the last mission concluded and Derek prepared to return to his unit at MARSOC, Matthews took him aside.

"Rogan," the Master Chief began, looking at him seriously. "You've been an essential part of all these operations. DEVGRU always values ​​operators like you, with discipline, skills, and above all, a mission-focused mindset."

"Thank you, Master Chief," Derek replied sincerely.

"If you ever decide you want a new challenge, the doors are open to you here."

Derek shook Matthews' hand, feeling the weight of the offer. But for now, he knew his place was still with MARSOC. He had already learned to work with the best, and that experience only made him more prepared for what was to come.

With a final wave to the DEVGRU team, Derek left, knowing that joint missions were just another chapter in his long and complex journey.