Another Azerbaijani compatriot has joined the ranks of the United States Armed Forces. Kamala Atakishiyeva stands out as one of the first Azerbaijani women to serve in the American military.
Miraz.TV spoke with Kamala about her remarkable journey from Sumgayit to US military aviation.
From Sumgayit to Beijing: Engineering and Master’s Studies
Kamala, congratulations on your achievement. How did your journey lead to the US military?
Thank you very much for the congratulations and the interview. Reaching the US military was the culmination of a long and demanding journey.
Let us return to the beginning. Where were you born and where did you complete your education?
I was born in Sumgayit, Azerbaijan, where I completed my secondary education. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Azerbaijan Technical University. After graduation, I worked in my field at SINAM and later at the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads. I always aspired to pursue a master’s degree abroad, and in 2017, I received that opportunity. I moved to China and earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Tsinghua University over two years.
Tsinghua University is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading academic institutions…
That is correct. Tsinghua University is ranked 1st in Asia and 17th globally according to recent QS 2026 rankings. Many prominent leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are alumni of this university. During my studies, I worked on numerous ICT projects, including initiatives promoting Azerbaijani businesses in the Chinese market. This sparked my interest in entrepreneurship, leading me to establish a startup in China with two classmates. However, like many small businesses, we were forced to close during the pandemic.
Transition from Global Tech to Military Service
Did you consider returning to Azerbaijan after the pandemic?
No. Although I received attractive job offers from Azerbaijan, I wanted to leverage global technological opportunities abroad and contribute to my home country from a broader vantage point. While in Beijing, I networked with major global companies and received my first US offer from Special Items, developing virtual solutions. Later, I collaborated with Meta, participating in technical forums across the United Kingdom, Taiwan, and other regions.
How did you transition from technology to the armed forces?
It happened unexpectedly. While discussing promising career trajectories in the US with my husband, we recognized that military service offered substantial long-term growth. The next day, I contacted the US Department of Defense recruiting office in Washington. After two to three months of rigorous preparation, I scored 95 out of 100 on the entrance examination and passed all physical and medical assessments.
Aviation Systems and Military Training
Was the entire process as smooth as it sounds?
Not at all. The most grueling phase began afterward. Serving in the US military, particularly during the initial six months, requires extreme physical and mental resilience. I joined the helicopter division within the air wing. Although my specialty is maintaining electronic systems for helicopters, I underwent the full standard combat training. Our group started with 42 recruits, but only 29 completed the program; the others had to withdraw due to physical and psychological challenges.
Preserving National Identity and Looking Ahead
Your surname is relatively long for English speakers. Were you ever advised to change it?
Yes. Commanders frequently found “Atakishiyeva” difficult to pronounce during roll calls. I was offered the option to shorten it officially to “Kamala Atak.” I declined because I want everyone who hears my name to know that I am Azerbaijani. That heritage brings me immense pride.
What are your future goals?
I am currently continuing my active military service. After the age of 40, I plan to enter politics. Many successful American political figures, including John F. Kennedy, built their careers on military foundations. I aspire to follow a similar path.
Do you miss Azerbaijan?
I do. I stay in touch with my friends in Azerbaijan daily. My parents visit me periodically, and my brother Subhan lives nearby in Montreal, Canada, working as an artificial intelligence specialist. Although my schedule is intensive, I plan to visit my parents in Azerbaijan during the New Year holidays.
