The Friends of the American University of Afghanistan (FAUAF) had the honor of attending a powerful event hosted by the Women, Peace, and Security initiative at the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The evening centered on an exclusive discussion of Guerrera, a forthcoming documentary series that sheds light on the courageous women who served on the frontlines of America’s longest war.
Produced by Jessica Yahn in partnership with AllTru, Dulcinea Productions, and the Atlantic Council’s Counterterrorism Project, Guerrera explores the untold stories of the Cultural Support Teams (CST) and Female Tactical Platoons (FTP)—trailblazing women embedded within special operations units in Afghanistan. These units played a critical and often unrecognized role in counterterrorism efforts, bridging cultural gaps, gathering intelligence, and connecting with Afghan women in ways that male soldiers simply couldn’t.
The event featured a panel discussion with Yahn and members of the special operations and counterterrorism community, highlighting the importance of telling these stories—not just to honor the women who served, but to inform future strategies in global security and peacebuilding. Guests also viewed unreleased footage from the series and explored a new exhibit honoring women in Special Operations Forces (SOF).
For FAUAF, this conversation hit close to home. Many of the CST and FTP teams worked closely with Afghan communities, especially women and girls—building the trust that made education and development work possible. Their legacy is deeply intertwined with AUAF’s mission and the progress made over two decades in Afghanistan.
We’re grateful to have been part of this moving tribute and look forward to supporting future efforts that uplift the stories of women shaping history—both in combat and in classrooms.
