List of illustrations -- Preface -- List of Air Force ranks and abbreviations -- Prologue -- Part 1. Afghanistan -- The challenge is clear and daunting -- Integrating the Special Forces-close air support team -- The fall of the Taliban regime -- Operation Anaconda -- Just another day in Afghanistan -- Part 2. Iraq -- A controversial invasion in a context of controversy -- "Our business now is north" -- A tale of two bridges -- Through the gap, across the bridge, and on to Baghdad -- The thunder runs -- The Scud hunt and operations in western Iraq -- The drive from the north -- Conclusion -- Appendix : people interviewed -- Glossary -- Index.