Undermined, Overused, and Mission Obsessed: An Analysis of the Erosion of Ethics and the Proliferation of Combat Culture in Special Operations Forces
Abstract
Special operations forces (SOF) have not stepped off the battlefield in twenty years, and the strains of war are beginning to show. This thesis analyzes the culture and ethical foundation of Special Operations Command (SOCOM) by examining the internal and external factors influencing the force. A once prestigious reputation has been marred with accounts of ethical misconduct and war crimes. In response, SOCOM conducted a force-wide comprehensive ethics review in 2019. While SOCOM's own report admitted that problems within the organization exist, it did not identify the causal factors involved, let alone offer a remedy to address them. Drawing on theories from the fields of social psychology, anthropology, moral philosophy, and organizational management reveals the impact of internal and external influences on human behavior. Analysis of these factors suggests that SOCOM does have an ethics problem and that the problem is intrinsically linked to the misaligned culture. A culture shaped by combat. Overdemand and overreliance on SOF has resulted in unsustainable growth, a mismanaged force, and identity issues within SOCOM. The organizational issues are further influenced by the ideals of American exceptionalism and complicated by changing social values and norms. SOCOM is a complex organization. Understanding the influences that contribute to unethical behavior is critical for SOCOM to regain the trust of the American public and refocus the force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1150876
Entities
People
- Seth A. Buckley
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School