Commander of Afghanistan's First Female Tactical Platoon to Advocate for Afghan Women’s Rights: Meet Mahnaz Akbari
November marks a special time to honor and thank those who have served. This Veterans Month, we're dedicating our newsletter to spotlight the incredible stories of veterans, their sacrifices, and their enduring impact on their communities.
Mahnaz Akbari , a former commander of Afghanistan’s first Female Tactical Platoon (FTP), served alongside Afghan and U.S. special forces from 2011 to 2021. She led over 2,000 missions focused on intelligence gathering and cultural sensitivity. After the Taliban takeover, she relocated to the U.S. and has been advocating for FTP members. She volunteers with organizations like Sisters of Service to aid FTPs and Afghan refugees. Currently, she co-founded NXTMISSION INC to support FTP members and is involved with the Bamyan Foundation , which provides education for Afghan women.
What is your personal/professional story?
In the 2010s, life for Afghan migrants in Iran reached a point where many were considering returning to Afghanistan. I was among them. The severe restrictions on work and education, especially for young Afghans, made many rethink staying in Iran and led them to return home. For years, I tried to continue my studies and find a job that matched my skills, but I encountered barriers at every step. It seemed impossible to break free from these restrictions, as Iranian society did not offer equal opportunities for Afghan migrants.
At that time, Afghanistan was experiencing a period of hope. Although challenges and insecurity remained, signs of improvement and rebuilding were evident, especially after the fall of the Taliban and the presence of the international community. Many migrant families, like mine, returned home with the hope of becoming part of this positive change and striving for a better future. This hope brought me back to my homeland, where I felt it was my duty to serve. So, I decided to join the Afghan National Army.
Joining the army was not only a way to serve my country but also an opportunity to work alongside women who, like me, dreamed of improving the country. Over time, I was appointed commander of the Female Tactical Platoon (FTP), a platoon composed entirely of women who participated in sensitive missions in collaboration with American and Afghan special forces. In a traditional and conservative country like Afghanistan, where for a long time women were barred from public life, this was a major transformation.
The FTP played a crucial role in military operations. In many missions, especially night raids, our presence was essential because only women could search for other women and children or gather intelligence from them. Due to cultural restrictions, Afghan men were not allowed to perform these searches. At the same time, the American forces needed the help of Afghan women to engage with local populations during missions. Our presence was not just a practical necessity; it allowed the coalition forces to approach the local community with respect for Afghan culture.
From 2011 to 2021, the FTP became a key component of special forces. We participated in over two thousand missions and played a vital role in many of them. For many Afghan men, seeing women working alongside them on the battlefield was a major cultural shift, but over time, our presence was accepted and even deemed essential by the Afghan National Army.
With the fall of Kabul, my mission changed. My focus shifted to helping the FTP members, who, like me, were forced to leave Afghanistan. I worked to relocate them to the United States, where they could rebuild their lives. Today, I continue to feel a strong responsibility toward these women and remain active in volunteer work with organizations like Sisters of Service , and our new organization where I am a co-founder of NXT Mission. Additionally, I collaborate with the Bamyan Foundation to provide educational opportunities for Afghan women, ensuring they have access to education despite the current situation where the Taliban prohibits them from attending school. We work through underground schools and educational initiatives. Additionally, I support the Human Rights Aid Committee at Bamiyan Foundation which provides financial assistance and covers medical expenses for victims of targeted and systematic attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan?
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
One of the most significant moments in my life was the decision to join the Afghan National Army. After years of living in Iran under harsh restrictions, returning to Afghanistan and serving my country marked a turning point. Living as a migrant in Iran, where I was always seen as an outsider, taught me how to confront social and political barriers. But joining the Afghan army gave me a new perspective.
When I traveled to remote and deprived areas of the country, I witnessed the real challenges facing the Afghan people. Poverty, lack of education, and overwhelming hardships were rampant in these areas. These experiences motivated me deeply to strive for a better future, especially for women. Being part of the Female Tactical Platoon was not just a job for me; it was a mission I truly believed in.
Where does your passion for service come from?
My passion for service stems from two main sources: first, the hope of the Afghan people for freedom and justice, especially the brave women who resist oppression and fight to free themselves from the Taliban's grasp. Second, my identity as a Hazara woman and the experiences I gained in the army.
During my service in the army, I witnessed the many injustices faced by women and ethnic minorities like the Hazaras. As a woman, my presence in the army not only defied traditional social expectations but also exposed me to security threats. However, these challenges only strengthened my resolve and that of other courageous women. Seeing the strong will of the Afghan people and their commitment to our common goal of freedom and justice deepened my passion for serving this country.
How can GlobalMindED Help You?
A partnership with GlobalMindED could help us achieve our mission as we strive to empower Afghan Women in Afghanistan and refugees now living in the US to attend college as first-generation students. Having a mentor could help these women walk through a very significant next chapter, and being connected with internships and providing meaningful experience would give them added confidence as they pursue a lifelong dream.?
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