Supersoldiers or Rulebreakers? Unpacking the Mind-Set of Special Operations Forces. Issue 4 (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dalgaard-Nielsen, Anja; Holm, Kirstine Falster
• Is Part Of: Armed forces and society. Volume 45:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 591
• Page End: 611
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Special Operations Forces -- mind-set -- Denmark -- characteristics -- collaboration -- organization -- conceptual model -- forced choice experiment; Sociology, Military -- Periodicals; Sociology, Military -- United States -- Periodicals; Armed Forces -- Periodicals; United States -- Armed Forces -- Periodicals; 306.27
• DOI: 10.1177/0095327X18755109
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0095-327X

Abstract

Special Operations Forces (SOFs) are increasingly central in national defense postures worldwide. The term "SOF mind-set" encapsulates the current political enthusiasm but is rarely explicitly defined or systematically studied. Based on a literature review, this article suggests a conceptual model of SOF's mind-set, which is refined via a Danish case study. It discusses when and where this mind-set complicates collaboration with the wider military organizational environment and how SOF could navigate potential fault lines. By systematically unpacking SOF's mind-set, the article aims to add nuance to polarized conceptions and stereotypes.