Diversity and SOF: Boon or Bane?. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simons, Anna
• Is Part Of: Special operations journal. Volume 5:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: SOF -- special forces -- diversity -- gender integration -- small combat unit -- combat interchangeability -- reflexive trust; Special operations (Military science) -- Periodicals; 356.16
• DOI: 10.1080/23296151.2019.1581431
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2329-6151

Abstract

Abstract : This article argues that while SOF combat elements cannot be made more inclusive, the overall SOF enterprise can. While diversity for diversity's sake might appear to promise certain advantages, it introduces real sources of concern. These must be carefully considered. But so, too, should the need for combat interchangeability and reflexive trust among operators. Consequently, although SOF combat units may not be able to change in quite the ways that proponents of diversity and gender integration would prefer, successful application of 21st century warfare will require more than just operators, especially since organizations should stay together for longer than a single rotation. It is here where heterogeneity should come into its own, and there are historical precedents for this such as Detachment 101 (an Office of Strategic Services unit during World War II).