Operation Pineapple Express Used Signal to Evacuate Afghan Allies

Jun 18, 2025

Scott Mann, a Ret. U.S. Army Green Beret and founder of Task Force Pineapple, shares his remarkable journey from military service to storytelling. He discusses the innovative use of the Signal app to coordinate the urgent evacuation of Afghan allies during the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. Scott highlights the significance of biometric data in military operations and its risks post-evacuation. He also touches on his award-winning play, Last Out, which aims to heal veterans through theater.

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INSIGHT

Biometric Data Left Vulnerable

US biometric databases in Afghanistan were left behind during withdrawal, falling into Taliban hands.
This enabled Taliban to identify and target Afghan commandos and special forces on sight at checkpoints.

INSIGHT

Signal Flattened Communication Landscape

Veterans used Signal like military secure systems for real-time, distributed communication during Afghanistan's collapse.
This allowed instant tactical coordination, information sharing, and rapid problem solving unlike past wars.

ANECDOTE

Signal's Role in Evacuations

Scott Mann and a team used Signal to coordinate evacuations by communicating passwords and tips directly to allies at Kabul airport.
They successfully evacuated Nizam using the password "pineapple" and then expanded the network to help many others escape.

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Scott Mann, Ret. U.S. Army Green Beret and Founder of Task Force Pineapple, shares his journey from a Special Forces soldier to a storyteller and actor. He detailed his time as a Green Beret who helped form Task Force Pineapple, a group of veterans who used technology to coordinate the evacuation of Afghan allies during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

Key Takeaways:

The role of biometric data collection in US Army missions and the Global War on Terror
How their unprecedented use of the consumer app, Signal, became a go-to resource for natural disaster management and special operations
The critical role of technology and veteran networks in crisis situations
His new creative venture: Last Out - an award winning play his touring on stages across the country to provide healing to Veterans and their Families

Guest Bio: Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret with tours in Colombia, Peru, and Afghanistan. He’s the founder of Task Force Pineapple, a 501(c)(3) supporting Veterans and Afghan Allies, and the author of Operation Pineapple Express, a New York Times Best Seller. Scott also wrote Nobody is Coming to Save You, a guide to building trust and human connection in divided times. He also hosts The Scott Mann Podcast and is the playwright and star of Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret, an award-winning play honoring the sacrifices of our military community.

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