[CaseyFronczekHomie]

The Afghan Air Force can now count on Afghan women to help defend their country alongside their male compatriots, a significant milestone and an inspiration to women, considering how women’s rights in Afghanistan were so brutally restricted under Taliban rule just ten years ago.

Since October 2010, five female lieutenants have been preparing for a career as pilot officers in Afghanistan’s fledgling air force. Their training programme includes full English language immersion at the Kabul Thunder Lab, part of NATO’s Training Mission – Afghanistan, to ensure students have a solid command of English before moving on to more specialised pilot training.

While at the Thunder Lab, the female and male lieutenants compete on equal terms, and train shoulder to shoulder with their advisors. However, they retain segregated living quarters.
“I am excited to be here... It is my big wish, my big dream to join the air force. First, I want to be a good pilot -- after that an engineer,” says 2nd Lt. Mary.

The five lieutenants previously graduated from a 20-week basic military training programme at the officer candidate school (OCS). NATO - News: Afghan women soar to new heights , 03-Mar.-2011

Pretty interesting story. Can you imagine being someone in a country where you werent allowed to go to school or even leave the house, and 10 years later your flying a military jet to protect your friends?

[BarBoss]

Afghanistan 1950-1960-s

Àôãàíèñòàí 50-ûõ è 60-ûõ ãîäîâ (24 ôîòî) - ÂÎÉÍÀ è ÌÈÐ

[bataovady]

I saw a Nat Geo special on Afghanistan, remember that striking photo of the Afghan girl with the bright blue eyes on the cover of one of their older issues? They caught up with her husband, her life was dismal for all the years of Russian then Taliban rule. Her husband said she did not have a single happy day throughout that time. I only hope we can at least leave the country with better futures for the women and children.

[casinobonyanes]

Afghanistan 1950-1960-s

Àôãàíèñòàí 50-ûõ è 60-ûõ ãîäîâ (24 ôîòî) - ÂÎÉÍÀ è ÌÈÐ

And do you perhaps consider that the Soviet invasion in 79 played any role in the changes to Afghani infrastructure?

Of course you do not, as you believe everything Mother Russia does to be perfectly good and holy.

[Nicihntm]

I saw a Nat Geo special on Afghanistan, remember that striking photo of the Afghan girl with the bright blue eyes on the cover of one of their older issues? They caught up with her husband, her life was dismal for all the years of Russian then Taliban rule. Her husband said she did not have a single happy day throughout that time. I only hope we can at least leave the country with better futures for the women and children.

Are you referring to this girl...

[haudraufwienix]

And do you perhaps consider that the Soviet invasion in 79 played any role in the changes to Afghani infrastructure?

Of course you do not, as you believe everything Mother Russia does to be perfectly good and holy.

Are you sitting tight?

Actually, I do believe Soviet interferrence "played a role in the changes to Afghani infrastructure".

So, next time you would want to read my thoughts polish your crystal ball well.

[lopaayd]

Wow, color me shocked.

Cheers.

[DoroKickcrofe]

Wow, color me shocked.

Cheers.

Mark this day red on your calendar, it doesn't happen often.