Veterans Returning To Afghanistan: A Complex Journey

The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan has left many veterans feeling angry, betrayed, and humiliated. They are also worried about the Afghan interpreters and allies they worked with, who are now at risk of persecution by the Taliban. Some veterans have been trying to help their former colleagues escape the country, using digital tools to guide them to safety. Many veterans feel that the U.S. withdrawal was a mistake and that the sacrifices made during the 20-year conflict were in vain. They are also concerned about the impact of the withdrawal on their own mental health and sense of belonging in American society.

Veterans' disappointment and frustration with the US withdrawal from Afghanistan

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan has been a source of disappointment and frustration for many veterans, with feelings of anger, betrayal, and humiliation being expressed. The end of the 20-year war has led to a decline in confidence in President Biden's competence and ability to handle the duties of commander-in-chief. A survey by the organization More in Common found disturbing results, with 73% of Afghanistan veterans feeling betrayed and 67% feeling humiliated.

Veterans have been critical of the Biden administration's handling of the withdrawal, with 60% saying the administration handled it poorly compared to 47% of non-veterans. There is also a sense of estrangement, with 76% of Afghanistan veterans feeling like strangers in their own country. The withdrawal has raised difficult questions for veterans, such as the value of the sacrifices made and the lives lost during the war. Many feel betrayed that the war they fought so hard for was lost, and there is guilt and introspection about leaving Afghan allies behind.

The withdrawal has also brought up complex emotions, with some veterans feeling relief that the war is over, but also anguish, frustration, and regret. It has forced them to grapple with the reality that the US won most battles but still lost the war, and that despite the countless sacrifices, Afghanistan is no more peaceful than it was a generation ago. There is also concern about the Taliban's control of Afghanistan, with 47% of veterans seeing it as a major threat to US security.

In addition to their criticism of the Biden administration, veterans also have less confidence in Biden's ability to make good decisions about foreign policy and use military force wisely. The withdrawal has had a significant impact on the veteran community, and there are fears of a repeat of what happened to Vietnam veterans, who became estranged from society. However, there is recognition that the war took a toll on those who served, and that the nation needs to come together to support them in processing the end of the war.

Veterans' concerns for Afghan interpreters and allies

Afghan interpreters and allies have been left in a perilous situation following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Veterans have expressed their concerns about the fate of those they worked with during their deployments, with many feeling a sense of betrayal and disappointment.

Veterans have been scrambling to help their Afghan interpreters and allies escape the country and find safety. They are using digital tools, such as satellite maps and encrypted messaging apps, to guide Afghans to safety and avoid Taliban checkpoints. However, the process of obtaining visas for these individuals has been mired in bureaucracy, with stringent requirements and lengthy processing times. This has left many interpreters and their families at risk of retaliation from the Taliban.

Veterans have expressed outrage and frustration at the U.S. government's handling of the situation, feeling that more could have been done to help their Afghan colleagues. They are worried about the safety of those who are still in Afghanistan, as well as the impact that the withdrawal will have on their own mental health and sense of belonging in the U.S.

The situation has brought up feelings of anger, guilt, and frustration for veterans, who feel a sense of duty and responsibility towards their Afghan colleagues. They are concerned about the dangers faced by interpreters and their families, who may be targeted for collaborating with U.S. forces. This includes the risk of torture, rape, and murder.

In addition to the immediate danger, there are also concerns about the long-term well-being of Afghan interpreters and their families. Veterans worry about their access to education, economic opportunities, and basic needs such as food and shelter. Some veterans have taken it upon themselves to provide financial support and assistance with visa applications, reflecting their commitment to helping those who supported them during their deployments.

The impact of the withdrawal on veterans' mental health has also been significant. Many veterans are struggling to process the end of the war and are uncertain about their place in American society. They feel a sense of betrayal and humiliation, with a majority believing that the U.S. did not leave Afghanistan with honor. There are fears that, without adequate support and reintegration efforts, Afghanistan veterans may become estranged from society, similar to what happened with Vietnam veterans.

Overall, the concerns of veterans for their Afghan interpreters and allies are twofold: ensuring their immediate physical safety and addressing their long-term well-being and integration. The situation has caused distress and prompted veterans to take action, reflecting their sense of duty and camaraderie with those who supported them during their deployments in Afghanistan.

Veterans' feelings of betrayal and humiliation

The chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 left many veterans feeling betrayed and humiliated. A survey by More in Common, a non-profit research group, found that 73% of Afghanistan veterans felt betrayed, and 67% felt humiliated.

Veterans expressed frustration and disappointment at how quickly the Taliban retook control of the country after nearly 20 years of war. They also felt anger and guilt about the fate of their Afghan interpreters, translators, and other allies who had risked their lives to work with U.S. forces. Many veterans felt they had been abandoned by their country and that their sacrifices had been in vain.

The withdrawal also triggered doubts among veterans about the purpose of their mission in Afghanistan and whether it had been useless. They questioned what their friends had died for and whether the U.S. had achieved anything during its two decades of involvement in the country.

The end of America's longest war left veterans with conflicting emotions, including disappointment, embarrassment, and shame, as well as pride in their service and the opportunities they had helped provide for the Afghan people.

Veterans also reported feelings of alienation, with 76% of Afghanistan veterans saying they sometimes felt "like a stranger in my own country." They worried about how they would be received by the American public and felt a sense of estrangement from a society that had largely moved on from the war.

Veterans' efforts to help people escape Afghanistan

The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and the subsequent takeover by the Taliban left many veterans feeling angry, betrayed, and humiliated. They were particularly concerned about the fate of the Afghan interpreters, translators, and other personnel who had worked with them during their deployment. Many veterans felt a sense of duty and guilt about leaving their Afghan allies behind and took it upon themselves to help them escape the country.

Veterans played a crucial role in the evacuation efforts, leveraging their connections, expertise, and knowledge of the local landscape. They organized grassroots initiatives, such as Digital Dunkirk, to guide American citizens and Afghan allies to safety. They used digital tools, including office software, satellite maps, and messaging apps, to provide real-time intelligence and navigate escape routes, avoiding Taliban checkpoints, and ensuring safe passage to the airport.

One such veteran, Joe Saboe, founded Team America, a group of about 200 volunteers, which served as a helpline for Afghans trying to flee Kabul. Saboe, a former Army infantry officer, described his efforts as fulfilling the military tenet of "leave no one behind." He and his team worked tirelessly, providing directions and coordinating with individuals on the ground to ensure safe passage.

Another veteran, Matt Zeller, founded No One Left Behind, an organization dedicated to helping interpreters who worked with U.S. troops obtain visas and relocate to the United States. Zeller himself had his life saved by an Afghan interpreter during his deployment, and he felt a deep sense of obligation to give back.

These veterans' efforts were often hampered by bureaucratic challenges, a lack of coordination, and the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Despite the risks and obstacles, they persevered, driven by their commitment to those they had worked alongside. Their actions exemplify the dedication and selflessness of those who served and their desire to leave no one behind.

Veterans' reflections on their time in Afghanistan

Veterans who served in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2020 shared their thoughts on the conflict and how their attitudes changed. Many described initial feelings of optimism that gave way to a sense that the US mission was unrealistic. They spoke about the fundamental flaws in the project, noting a lack of incentives for ordinary Afghans to support American objectives and expressing regret that the US failed to understand the country and its mission.

One veteran, Justin Sapp, described his early experiences in 2001, working with the CIA paramilitary teams. He recalled that the definition of the campaign was not yet fully formed, and it felt like an adventure. However, by the time he returned to Afghanistan in 2011, the situation had changed drastically. IED techniques had migrated from Iraq, and movement was restricted. He also encountered challenges working with district governors, who had no long-term vision and were not invested in the central government.

Another veteran, Phil Caruso, reflected on his deployments in 2011 and 2014. He initially felt proud to be giving Afghanistan the attention and focus it deserved. However, he soon realised the reality of the situation and questioned the viability of their strategy. He saw some successes in pacifying villages, but also acknowledged the sacrifices and loss of trust that came with those victories.

Veterans also shared their thoughts on the Biden administration's handling of the withdrawal. Many were critical, with six out of ten veterans saying the administration had done a poor job. They felt that the lack of transparency was detrimental, and that the strategy was unclear and disjointed.

Despite the mixed reactions to the withdrawal, veterans and non-veterans largely aligned in their views on the decision to pull all troops out of Afghanistan, with a slight majority agreeing with the decision. However, veterans were more likely than non-veterans to say that the initial decision to use military force in Afghanistan was the right one.

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