From 2011 to the fall of Kabul in 2021, a remarkable unit of highly skilled soldiers carried out more than two thousand critical military missions. The Female Tactical Platoon, composed of 68 Afghan women trained by the U.S. military, embarked on dangerous high-profile missions and pursuits against the Taliban. With the distinct ability to contribute tactical strength and communicative expertise, these women exercised relentless spirit and unmatched strength during hardship. The FTP worked alongside the Cultural Support Team, consisting of highly trained American female soldiers, to interact with women and children during U.S. Special Operations missions. Over the harrowing first days after the fall of Kabul in 2021, 41 members of the Female Tactical Platoon were evacuated to the United States. Now, they currently face a new set of challenges in America - from citizenship and economic inclusion to ensuring the survival of their families still living in Afghanistan. They continue working alongside their American partners to bring the remaining 27 FTPs and family members to safety.

Join the Women’s Foreign Policy Group, Afghan Rescue and Resettlement Program by the PenFed Foundation, Sisters of Service, and With Honor Action on Monday, July 31, 2023, from 6:00-9:00 pm, to share their stories and honor their resilience during an exclusive event at the National Press Club featuring an intimate fireside chat with members of the Female Tactical Platoon. This will be followed by a panel discussion of leading experts and military officials who will answer questions about the lessons the international security community learned from the FTP program, and how we can support the advancement of the FTP members now in the United States.

 

PROGRAM:

6:00 PM: Doors Open, Ballroom at the National Press Club

6:30 PM: Welcome Remarks by Alexa Chopivsky, Executive Director, Women's Foreign Policy Group

6:35 - 6:45 PM: Keynote by General Joseph Votel, Former Commander, United States Central Command

6:45 - 6:50 PM: Introduction of Fireside Chat by James Schenck, CEO, PenFed Foundation and PenFed Credit Union

6:50 - 7:30 PM: Fireside Chat with members of the Afghan Female Tactical Platoon, moderated by Amanda Ripley, author and investigative journalist

7:30 - 7:35 PM: Introduction of the panel discussion

7:35 - 8:25: Panel discussion featuring: 

Ambassador Adela Raz, former Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States and United Nations

Mary Kolars, CPT, US, Lead Advisor, Afghan Female Tactical Platoon (2016-2021) and Cultural Support Program Manager (2016-2021)

Tom Seaman, Legislative Director, With Honor

Moderated by: Jennifer Griffin, Chief National Security Correspondent, Fox News

Panel in formation, will be updated continuously 

8:35 - 8:30: Closing Remarks by Andrea McCarren, President, PenFed Foundation

8:30-9:00 PM: Networking Reception

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Please direct any questions to [email protected].

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