The Plight of Former Afghan Security Forces

PTSD Knows No Border

The collapse of Afghanistan's government and the subsequent takeover by the Taliban in 2021 left former Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) members in precarious positions. These veterans, who once stood as the frontline defenders of their nation, sacrificing 70,000 martyrs, more than any war fought since Vietnam, now face severe psychological, moral, and existential challenges. This article delves into the mental health repercussions, specifically PTSD, among these veterans, their moral and existential crises, and the socio-political dynamics that further marginalize them. The international community's inadequate response and the Taliban's vindictive practices have compounded these challenges, leaving many veterans in dire straits.

The mental health repercussions for former ANDSF members are severe, with PTSD being prevalent due to prolonged exposure to combat and the violent environment in Afghanistan. PTSD symptoms, including severe anxiety, flashbacks, and depression, are widespread among these veterans. Studies have consistently shown that combat exposure is a significant risk factor for PTSD, and the situation in Afghanistan has only exacerbated these issues. Despite the availability of psychosocial interventions in high-income countries, these interventions are largely absent for Afghan veterans, leaving them without crucial mental health support. The lack of support is critical, as PTSD among asylum seekers and refugees in similar contexts has been effectively managed through such interventions.

Former ANDSF members in Afghanistan face a profound moral dilemma: continue to live under the threat of the Taliban or join their ranks. The Taliban's so-called amnesty has proven unreliable, with numerous reports of revenge killings against former security personnel. The UN has documented over 200 extrajudicial killings since the Taliban takeover. For those who remain in Afghanistan, the job market offers no viable opportunities. Many are coerced into joining the Taliban, where they are assigned degrading tasks such as cleaning toilets, maintaining prisons, and tending to the Taliban’s dogs. These tasks are culturally humiliating and degrade the veterans' sense of identity and dignity. The moral and existential crises they face are immense, as they are forced to reconcile their past service with their current degradation and threats.

Attempts to flee to neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran have often resulted in forced repatriation, sending former ANDSF members back into the hands of the Taliban. The international community has largely overlooked their mental health needs despite a significant body of literature on the mental health challenges faced by U.S. and NATO soldiers. Within Afghanistan, the general population has largely forgotten these veterans and the socio-economic structures necessary to support them are virtually non-existent, further compounding their psychological distress. The socio-political dynamics in Afghanistan have marginalized these veterans, stripping them of their dignity and recognition.

Efforts by former Afghan politicians and military leaders to recruit these veterans for potential resistance movements against the Taliban have also emerged. However, these efforts are unlikely to succeed without substantial economic and logistical support and may expose these individuals to further risks. The political exploitation of these veterans underscores the broader socio-political challenges they face as they become pawns in larger geopolitical struggles.

The plight of former ANDSF members is a multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention. The prevalence of PTSD among these veterans highlights the need for immediate mental health interventions. The moral dilemmas they face, coupled with existential threats from the Taliban, demand comprehensive support from the international community. Addressing their needs requires a multifaceted approach, including mental health support, economic opportunities, and genuine asylum options. Until such measures are implemented, these former soldiers will continue to face a bleak and uncertain future, trapped between their past heroism and present marginalization. The international community, especially the United States government, who abandoned these men, must recognize the sacrifices of these veterans and take concrete steps to alleviate their suffering and integrate them into supportive socio-economic structures.

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Colonel Abdul Rahman Rahmani served with distinction in the Afghan Air Force Special Mission Wing before transitioning to the Director of the Afghan Government’s Presidential Intelligence Coordination Center, which produced all-source intelligence analyses for former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Colonel Rahmani is a graduate of the National Defense University.