Discrimination and sexism against women in the US Army’s elite Special Operation Forces (ARSOF) continue to persist, according to a new study conducted by the US Army Special Operations Command. The study, released on Monday, revealed that female soldiers face sexual harassment, sexism, and ill-fitting equipment. The findings exposed an “overtly sexist sentiment” among male senior officers and officers towards their female colleagues, along with the prevalence of poor-fitting body armor for female soldiers. These issues have persisted for years, forcing many women to purchase their own equipment.
Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of USASOC, emphasized the importance of having women in special operations, stating that their presence is critical for the protection of the United States and its defense against critical threats. However, the study highlighted significant barriers preventing women from fully integrating into the special operations community.
The study’s recommendations have prompted action from the US Army Special Operations Command. A “Women in ARSOF Initiative” lead has been appointed to focus on female-specific modernization efforts, mentorship and sponsorship, and health and readiness. Additional funding has also been secured for childcare centers within the 7th Special Forces Group. The study’s findings will be integrated into the onboarding process for soldiers attending the Army’s Special Warfare Center and School. Moreover, efforts to increase mentorship opportunities for women and to develop a commandwide “dating etiquette course” to raise awareness of sexual harassment and assault are currently underway.
The study highlighted a significant disparity in the perception of challenges between men and women in ARSOF units. It revealed that 40% of women viewed gender bias in the workplace as a problem, with sexist comments made by male respondents representing a “common sentiment.” Some comments expressed a view that women had no place in a Special Forces Team, while others associated women’s entry into special operations units with seeking attention or relationships.
Despite the challenges, the study found that 57% of women in ARSOF believed the culture to be better than in the conventional Army. Additionally, 72% of women stated that they would support their daughters’ decision to serve in ARSOF.
This study sheds light on the persistent discrimination faced by women in the US Army’s elite Special Operation Forces. While efforts are being made to address these issues, it is clear that changing the culture will take time. Nonetheless, the acknowledgment of these challenges and the commitment to addressing them is a crucial step toward creating a more inclusive and equal environment within the US military.