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It has been almost eight years since the United States allowed women to serve in all military combat roles, opening the door for them to join elite military forces such as the Green Berets and Army Rangers. However, women have been working in noncombat roles dating back to the Revolutionary War. During the war in Afghanistan, women served alongside the Green Berets and Army Rangers, with one even sacrificing her life. Despite these advancements, a recent report by the Army Special Operations Command reveals that gender biases and outright misogyny still exist within the Special Operations forces.
The report aimed to identify the challenges faced by the 2,300 female service members in the Special Operations forces. Shockingly, the survey uncovered comments from senior enlisted men suggesting that women join Special Forces not for career opportunities, but to find a husband or boyfriend. Another senior enlisted man dismissed the idea that women can perform at the same levels as men, both physically and mentally. Some even threatened to retire rather than working on a team with a woman. Sadly, these comments reflect the prevailing sexist mentality among many male soldiers.
Gender integration has long been an issue in the military, and the Special Operations forces should be commended for taking the lead in investigating and addressing these divisions. As the Army increasingly relies on Special Forces, it is crucial to create fair and nondiscriminatory spaces within these units, especially in the face of recruitment challenges. While some men express concerns about having both genders on combat teams, other countries that have integrated teams have not reported difficulties with unit cohesion. Furthermore, studies in the business sector demonstrate that gender-diverse teams make better decisions up to 73% of the time.
One of the most troubling findings of the report is the culture of fear and harassment within the Special Operations forces. Female soldiers reported incidents where soldiers would bang on their doors in the middle of the night, and a master key was given to anyone without question. One woman shared a disturbing incident where a male soldier used the key to access her room and leave a pair of high-heel combat boots. A senior female officer even expressed concern about the safety of her soldiers in the barracks.
The report also shed light on the difficulties women face when trying to report cases of sexual harassment. Numerous focus groups revealed instances where women were discouraged from filing reports, with officers warning that it would define their reputation within the regiment. Some women were told their complaints would go nowhere because the offender had connections to higher-ups. These experiences create a culture of silence and fear, making it difficult for women to speak out against harassment.
Surprisingly, only 30% of female soldiers reported sexual harassment as a challenge in the survey, much to the shock of those participating in the focus groups. It is likely that many women are afraid to speak out due to the conditions in which they serve. This gender bias and abuse within the military is a disservice to the country, but with the transparency and targeted efforts showcased by the Army Special Operations Command, it is possible to bring about transformation.
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