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There Is Strong, Deep-Seated, and Intensely Felt Opposition to Opening SOF Specialties That Have Been Closed to Women

• Overall, 85 percent of survey participants opposed letting women into their specialties, and 71 percent opposed women in their units.
• Although opposition exists across all services, elements, specialties, and rank groups, SEALs, Air Force Special Operations Command Special Tactics Team members, and noncommissioned officers appeared most strongly opposed.
• The dominant perspective across the focus groups was that women should not be integrated into SOF units and specialties, with potential impact on mission effectiveness and the continued ability to function as a highly performing team central to participants' concerns.

SOF Personnel Identified Three Main Concerns Regarding Unit Effectiveness When Integrating Women into SOF Units

• Many SOF personnel were concerned that standards would fall.
• Many SOF personnel were concerned that integrating women into SOF units would erode unit cohesion.
• Many SOF personnel were concerned that integrating women into SOF units would reduce the availability of leaders to resolve conflict between unit members.

Despite the Concerns, Some Participants Highlighted the Potential Benefits of Integrating Women into SOF Units

• About four in ten survey respondents agreed that women might be helpful in conducting sensitive operations and communicating with local populations.
• There is higher support, based on mission requirements, for attaching women in other specialties to SOF units, and higher support for opening SOF units to women, than there is support for opening currently closed SOF specialties to women.