As a Green Beret who served in the most demanding battlefields of the War on Terror, I have firsthand experience leading soldiers through crises where every second counted. I’ve witnessed unimaginable losses and emerged with a deeper understanding of leadership, especially in moments of uncertainty. That’s why it’s important to speak up as the fallout from the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal continues to unfold, while the true cost of that failure is buried under political spin.

The images from August 2021 — the U.S. embassy in flames, Americans and allies left stranded, and 13 service members making the ultimate sacrifice — are seared into our memories. The U.S. military’s chaotic withdrawal left behind more than equipment. It left behind our credibility, undermining America’s global standing. Yet, accountability remains elusive. (RELATED: Afghanistan Became ‘Terrorist Haven’ Again Thanks To Money, Weapons Biden Admin Left Behind)

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 9: A sign displaying photos and names of the 13 service members killed in a terrorist attack at Abbey Gate outside Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport is seen during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on September 9, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

The withdrawal was a debacle. Despite warnings from military leaders and intelligence agencies about the Taliban’s swift resurgence, the Biden administration pushed forward with a reckless decision to pull out, prioritizing optics over reality. The military evacuated before the embassy had even been closed, leaving behind thousands of Americans, our allies, and military assets. It was a failure of planning and basic security.

But beyond the operational failures, the root of this catastrophe lies in the leadership, or lack thereof, at the top. A leader must have clarity of thought, sound judgment, and the ability to make difficult decisions under extreme pressure. When the situation in Afghanistan deteriorated, the President should have acted swiftly. Instead, we witnessed a slow-motion disaster.  This would not have happened under President Trump.

This leads to the point at the center of the withdrawal: the mental acuity of then-President Joe Biden. For months, rumors circulated about his cognitive state, but it wasn’t until Afghanistan that the consequences became deadly. As history has taught us, a lapse in judgment can be fatal — not just for individuals — but for an entire nation. (RELATED: Biden Admin Filled Terrorist Coffers With Over $1,300,000,000 Before Trump Took Wrecking Ball To Foreign Aid)

We’re trained to critically observe our surroundings when a soldier or others show signs of mental decline or instability. On the battlefield, you can’t afford to wait until it’s too late to intervene. But former President Biden’s inner circle failed to address concerns about his ability to lead and concealed his rapidly declining condition from the public. As the images from Afghanistan played out, it became undeniable that his cognitive decline had reached a point where it could no longer be ignored.

This decline wasn’t just a few harmless gaffes or occasional forgetfulness. We witnessed clear signs, whether it was forgetting the names of aides he’s known for decades or struggling to articulate coherent thoughts. These weren’t just “senior moments.” They were indicators of a leader who could no longer carry the burden of decision-making.

The consequences of this were painfully obvious in Afghanistan. The withdrawal was a direct result of a breakdown in leadership. As a result, thousands of American citizens and allies were left stranded, and 13 service members lost their lives.

This image made available to AFP on August 20, 2021 by Human Rights Activist Omar Haidari, shows a US Marine grabbing an infant over a fence of barbed wire during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on August 19, 2021. (Photo by -/Courtesy of Omar Haidiri/AFP via Getty Images)

Accountability is essential. The former president’s inner circle, who were obligated to address his cognitive decline, failed to intervene. As a result, we saw a failure not just of military planning, but of leadership at the highest level. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is a breath of fresh air for his pragmatic, soldier-focused, accountability-driven approach. Needed and appreciated. (RELATED: Three Years Later, Biden Still Hasn’t Said Who’s At Fault For Chaotic Afghanistan Withdrawal)

As a veteran, I understand leadership is about being fit to make decisions when the stakes are highest. It comes at the cost of self-interest. We cannot afford to let failures like this go unchecked. The American people deserve to know why such a preventable disaster occurred, and those responsible must be held accountable. The peace through strength approach driven by President Donald J Trump is functionally vital to rebuild American relationships with allies and keep those who aim to harm America at bay. America is back.  

The tragic events of Afghanistan are a reminder of what happens when leadership falters and when those in power fail to confront the truth. It’s time for full accountability, and for the American people to know that these lives were not lost in vain. We will hold those who failed accountable. God Bless our Warriors — God Bless these United States. 

Jay Collins represents Florida’s 14th District in the State Senate and is a highly-decorated Army Special Forces combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient with over two decades of service.