The Center for Refugee, Migrant, and Displacement Studies Presents: The Female Tactical Platoon: From Afghanistan to Blacksburg

About the Event

In 2011 the Female Tactical Platoon (FTP) was formed as an elite unit within the Afghan army, composed of Afghan women who trained and served alongside US Special Operations Forces. According to author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, “FTPs experienced more combat than 95% of the entire U.S. military, going out on the most vital and most dangerous operations America was undertaking during the war in Afghanistan.” When the Taliban seized control of Kabul in August, 2021, the FTPs’ lives were at risk. Forty-three were evacuated to the US and have settled across the country, including Blacksburg. Their status in the US remains uncertain as the government has yet to regularize their legal standing. In this presentation we have an exceptional opportunity to learn this story directly from the women of the FTP and those who have worked beside them.

About the Speakers

Mahnaz Akbari, Former Commander, FTP

Azizgul Ahmadi, FTP Veteran, Blacksburg resident

Soraiya Nazari, FTP Veteran, Blacksburg resident

Rebekah Edmondson, US Army Veteran, PenFed Foundation

Scott Bailey, President, Blacksburg Refugee Partnership

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Brett L. Shadle at shadle@vt.eduduring regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.