Funhouse Mirrors: Reflections of Females in Special Operations Forces

Abstract

The capability of SOF operators is a reflection of the perceived value the individual brings to a small team setting. Cohesion within the team is partially a function of the identity of each team member, which influences the degree of integration. This article argues that forcing integration based on sex or gender alone overlooks the multiple potential identities of female special operators and of the teams themselves. The article explores some of the different natures of social identity, including negotiated, positional, and intersectional. These natures suggest identity is a more complex and elusive than how the term “gender” is often interpreted and broadens the application of this discussion to include related issues of the integration of any socioculturally defined groups, such as those defined by race, ethnicity, or religion, into any special operations unit. The article argues that identity constructs have and can be manipulated in a military service as well as in the battlespace, and suggests areas for additional research to identify new ways to leverage different perceptions of self and Other to help accomplish SOF missions.