Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Preface
Contents
Figures and Tables
Summary
Acknowledgments
The Context
Objectives and Approach
Organization of This Report
Part I: History, Challenges, and Concerns
Women in the U.S. Military
Evolution of Attitudes Toward Gender Integration in the U.S. Military
The Integration of Excluded Groups in the U.S. Military
Conclusion
Chapter Three: Physical Ability and Stress Response Differences Between Men and Women
How Men and Women Compare on Measures of Physical Ability
Sex and Gender Differences in the Stress Response
Chapter Four: The Potential Implications of Women’s Integration on Unit Cohesion
Cohesion Is Relevant for SOF Tactical Units
Cohesion Exists at Multiple Levels
Task Cohesion
Social Cohesion
Cohesion Considerations for Integrating Women into SOF Units
Part II: The Expectations of SOF Personnel Regarding Potentially Integrating Women into SOF Units
Chapter Five: The Women in SOF Survey
Policy Questions
Survey Design and Implementation
Analytic Approach
Main Findings
Identifying the Key Drivers of Support and Opposition
Conclusions and Policy Implications
Chapter Six: Insights from the Focus Groups
Expectations Regarding the Potential Impact of Integrating Women into SOF
Concerns Regarding the Integration of Women into SOF Specialties and Units
Analysis of Concerns Across Rank and Grade
Analysis of Unique Concerns Across SOF Components
Analysis of Concerns Across Mission Types
Dissenting Views
Potential Impact on Recruitment and Retention
Advice to Policymakers Regarding Implementation
Advice Regarding Potential Roles for Women in SOF
Conclusions
Part III: Potential Future Pathways
Chapter Seven: A Framework for Establishing Gender-Neutral Standards for Special Operations Forces
Why Standards?
Types of Tests and Standards
Examining Fairness and Bias
Implementation Challenges
Findings
Implications
Final Observations
Abbreviations
Bibliography