A new report published on Monday reveals that women serving in the US Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) continue to face discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexism in their male-dominated units. The study, conducted in 2021 but released only now, was carried out by the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and highlights the persistent challenges faced by female soldiers despite the Pentagon’s decision to open all combat jobs to women eight years ago.
The report exposes the prevalence of sexism in ARSOF, with many male soldiers making “overtly sexist” comments towards their female counterparts and expressing strong opposition to women serving in commando units. One male soldier even went as far as saying, “The idea that women are equally as physically, mentally, and emotionally capable as men… is, quite frankly, ridiculous.” Some male soldiers admitted that they would rather quit than serve on a team with a woman, citing potential disruptions to their marriages and feelings of jealousy from their wives.
However, the study also highlighted differing opinions, with one male soldier acknowledging that women belong in ARSOF and play a vital role. Nevertheless, this soldier emphasized that females should be used in non-direct action roles unless they can meet the same physical standards as their male counterparts.
The report found that most of the sexist attitudes came from senior noncommissioned officers, suggesting that the issue could be generational. Command Sgt Maj JoAnn Naumann, commenting on the report, acknowledged that sexist attitudes were prevalent but expressed hope that increased awareness and training would lead to change.
The study also revealed that nearly half of the female service members in USASOC experienced equipment fitting challenges. The standard issued body armor, helmets, and ruck systems were found to be too large for women under 165 cm tall. This issue not only hinders the effectiveness and comfort of female soldiers but also poses potential safety risks.
Additionally, the majority of female soldiers surveyed reported experiencing sexual harassment. However, only 30% considered it a major challenge, and even fewer were willing to report it. Fear of reprisal and a lack of trust in commanders’ ability to take action were cited as the main reasons for not reporting. Female officers have been advised to develop a “thick skin” to survive in a male-dominated environment—a response that perpetuates a culture of tolerance towards harassment.
To address these challenges, the report puts forth 42 recommendations. These include providing increased training and messages to raise awareness of sexual harassment, establishing mentorship programs, improving healthcare services, and addressing equipment fitting issues.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the ongoing discrimination and harassment faced by women serving in ARSOF. It highlights the urgent need for cultural change within the military to ensure gender equality and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for female soldiers. By implementing the report’s recommendations, the US Army can take significant steps towards eliminating sexism and improving the overall experience of women in ARSOF.
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