US Special Forces' "Human First" Approach Offers Lessons for National Security

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) deployed into Afghanistan from the K2 airfield in Uzbekistan to link up with the Northern Alliance. Over the subsequent two decades, extensive reporting from battlefields across the Global War on Terrorism highlighted fundamental SOF truths and lessons learned that remain highly relevant today. These insights suggest the broader U.S. defense establishment has significant takeaways from SOF operations.

Three core tenets guided these elite soldiers: "Humans are more important than hardware," emphasizing the necessity of working with local populations to foster partnerships; "Use the weapon between your ears," a directive to prioritize strategic thinking over mere tactics; and "work your way out of a job," signifying the ultimate goal of building capable indigenous security forces to ensure lasting peace.

This human-centric approach proved effective in various conflicts. In Afghanistan, it facilitated village-level agreements where tribal leaders' sons defended their own homelands. In the southern Philippines' Mindanao region, a partnership model contributed to the displacement of the Jihadist militant group Abu Sayyaf and the eventual Bangsamoro Accord. Similarly, during the latter stages of the Iraq War, Special Forces combat advisors supported Iraqi and Syrian Kurdish forces in ousting ISIS.

The author posits that if the SOF's methods had been integrated into the overarching policy and strategy for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, significant missteps could have been avoided. Instead, resources often flowed towards hardware and other material solutions, with an overemphasis on body counts supplanting a deeper understanding of how terrorist leadership regenerated. SOF doctrine recognized that high lethality could be counterproductive, potentially creating new recruits from the families and communities of those killed. This is referred to as "COIN math" – counterinsurgency mathematics.

The reliance on sheer military power, or "lethality," has been mistaken as a winning strategy, while wiser commanders understand that sustainable peace cannot be achieved solely through force. Special Operations Forces culture is characterized by pragmatism and a solutions-oriented mindset.

One innovation observed during the Afghan conflict involved the strategic use of women within combat formations. Their unique ability to interact with and understand rural Afghan communities was deemed a vital tool. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has publicly acknowledged the contributions of these women during his confirmation testimony.

Recent events, such as the reported reversal of a female officer's promotion to lead a unit in Naval Special Warfare, raise questions about whether gender bias played a role. While the Pentagon denied such bias, many within the Navy reportedly believe it was a factor. Such potential gender-based discrimination, if true, would indicate a lack of understanding at senior defense leadership levels regarding what contributes to SOF success.

Women have served with distinction in combat roles, challenging erroneous claims of unmet standards. Their ability to engage effectively with local cultures proved essential to SOF successes in the Middle East. This skillset underscores the critical role SOF plays in national security. Despite challenges and shortcomings during prolonged 21st-century deployments, the ethic and mindset of SOF remain invaluable to upholding U.S. national security.

Linda Robinson is the author of several books on special operations, including "Masters of Chaos: The Secret History of the Special Forces," with a new edition slated for republication.