Jessica Yahn's Military Journey

• 💡 Jessica Yahn began her military career after attending the Air Force Academy and commissioning through Army ROTC as a Signal Corps officer.
• 🚀 Her initial deployment involved managing strategic communications in Iraq and Afghanistan, maintaining vital infrastructure for the entire theater of operations.
• 🎯 Seeking more direct involvement, she learned about the Cultural Support Team (CST) program designed to deploy women with Special Operations units.

Cultural Support Teams (CST)

• 🔑 The CST program was created to address an operational demand to engage with women and children in Afghanistan, gathering intelligence and understanding village needs.
• ✅ Selection for CSTs was rigorous, testing both physical and mental grit, and involved extensive training including weapons and tactical skills.
• 🤝 Jessica was deployed with Delta Force and the 75th Ranger Regiment, noting the importance of inclusive leadership and proving competence to integrate into male-dominated teams.
• 📌 Memorable missions included women on target confirming enemy locations and CSTs delivering a baby, highlighting their unique ability to access and influence local populations.

Evolution of Women in Special Operations

• 🧠 After her CST deployment, Jessica pursued a specialized Special Operations role, emphasizing the distinction between women integrating into combat arms units and leveraging gender as a tool in specific roles.
• ⚖️ She highlights the Women Peace and Security Act as a legal mandate for the purposeful employment of women, recognizing their crucial role in conflict prevention and resolution.
• 🚀 Jessica believes the military should create opportunities for women to serve in both combat arms (if they meet standards) and specialized roles that utilize their unique capabilities.

The Guerrera Documentary & Altru

• 🎥 Jessica co-produced "Guerrera," a three-part documentary series honoring women like Jenny Moreno and Ashley White, who were killed in action while serving in CSTs.
• ✨ The documentary explores the evolution of women's roles in the Global War on Terror, showcasing teamwork, camaraderie, and the diverse backgrounds of service members.
• 🎗️ Profits from "Guerrera" will be reinvested into Altru, a non-profit that unites warriors to inspire the next generation through shared stories of sacrifice and service.