Breaking barriers: Women in Army Special Operations
APA Citation:
United States Army Special Operations Command. (2023). Breaking barriers: Women in Army Special Operations (p. 106). https://www.soc.mil/wia/women-in-arsof-report-2023.pdf
Focus:
Programming
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Authors:
United States Army Special Operations, Command
Abstract:
In early 2021, without external provocation, the USASOC Commanding General directed an introspective look into our formations to illuminate and ultimately eliminate unique barriers that female service members encounter while serving in our formations. Since the conclusion of the Women in Army Special Operations Forces (WiA) Study in December 2021, USASOC and the Army have made significant progress to break down barriers for all service members across our formations. The general findings of this study reached well beyond the original intent and target audience as it led to gender agnostic discoveries on recruiting, retention, education, policy, healthcare, single parents, child development centers, barracks, safety, and small stature service members in the Army. In USASOC, we strive to maintain a culture where everyone has a voice regardless of rank, gender, age, or any other attribute. This study’s findings are a testament to this endeavor and provided several thousand Soldiers the unique opportunity to share candid comments knowing this command will genuinely listen to their feedback and evolve to better support them. While we acknowledge some of the comments are disappointing and not representative of the USASOC culture and organization as a whole, we chose to conduct this study, devoid of outside influence, to better see ourselves and our most important asset – our people. We stand committed to breaking down all barriers and pledge to continuously strive to address this topic with candor and transparency. This preface is designed to share a summary of actions the command has proactively taken to benefit all Soldiers and bolster the readiness, lethality, and agility that the Nation expects from Army Special Operations Forces.
Publication Type:
Research and technical reports
Keywords:
women service members, Army Special Operations, female soldiers