My brother's keeper: forging SOF operators through developmental relationships
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Authors
Stark, Kevin
Andrus, Ben
Subjects
Navy SEALs
Army Special Forces (Green Berets)
Marine Raiders
Special Operations Forces
SOF
personal development
professional development
team building
leadership
mentoring
mentorship
Army Special Forces (Green Berets)
Marine Raiders
Special Operations Forces
SOF
personal development
professional development
team building
leadership
mentoring
mentorship
Advisors
Simmons, Anna
Gibbons, Deborah
Date of Issue
2016-06
Date
16-Jun
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Personal and professional development is paramount to the growth and success of individuals and the organizations they comprise. The United States military's special operations forces (SOF) are elite small teams that work in austere situations globally. SOF operators are expected to be competent and capable at all times. They must rely on their team members for personal and professional development. This paper sought to assess the characteristics and outcomes of developmental relationships within SOF teams. Through interviews with SOF operators from the Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, and Marine Raiders, the findings reinforce the necessity of development within teams. Numerous viewpoints emerged regarding the importance of team dynamics, leadership cohesion, and strong personal traits. SOF development providers' and recipients' insights helped paint a picture of developmental relationships within SOF teams--specifically, how and why development is initiated, what is provided, and how it benefits operators. The qualitative interview process exposed numerous implications for SOF operators, team leaders, and the greater SOF community regarding the importance of proactive and meaningful development.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Graduate School of Business and Public Policy (GSBPP)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.