As Cultural Support Team (CST) members, we were selected and trained to enable US Special Operations combat forces in and around secure objectives. Our primary task was to engage the Afghan female population on targeted objectives when such contact may be deemed culturally inappropriate if performed by a male service member. CSTs quickly learned that success on the battlefield would not occur without Afghan counterparts at their sides. Our teams stood up an all-Female Afghan Tactical Platoon (FTP) that mirrored the CST Program. CSTs consistently trained this unique group of women to US standards in physical fitness, weapons ranges, counter IED training, navigation, medical training, and tactical training exercises. The FTPs worked continuous five-month deployment cycles with minimal time off. Together FTPs and CSTs supported Special Operations Forces (SOF) for two decades sharing values, breaking bread, and risking their lives to defend the United States.
After the US began to withdraw forces from Afghanistan, the Taliban hunted the FTPs due to their gender, ethnicity, and association with US forces. Such danger eventually forced them to end their service upon the fall of Kabul. Our female Afghan allies escaped their homeland with nothing but the clothes on their backs and are now in the process of resettling in cities across the United States. This unique group of women puts their lives out on the line, night after night, to advance US interests in warzones across Afghanistan in a unit the US Special Operating Forces created for their own safety. They truly embody duty and selfless service, both ideals the US holds dear, and continue to work towards peace and security here in the US.
Today, Thirty-two women (and 31 family members) have jobs as baristas, roofers, Amazon employees, legal advisors for Afghan asylum clients, Chick-fil-a cashiers, seamstresses, and English teachers. Sixty-six women and family members are enrolled in English classes, and eight are enrolled in college courses. Twelve FTPs have passed driving exams, eighteen children have been enrolled in school, and six FTPs gave birth to brand new American citizens. These women dream to be MMA fighters, Police Officers, US Army Rangers, educators and so much more! To achieve these dreams, these women still need a clear legal pathway to citizenship. Thanks to the Paul Hastings legal task force, all the FTPs and their family members have applied for asylum and many have been granted as we work towards green cards! Two years later, we are endlessly impressed that our Afghan sisters continually overcome obstacles, despite all odds, and are determined to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
