Measuring Special Operations Forces Readiness

Description

Measuring Special Operations Forces Readiness
Berry KG, Sakallaris B, Deuster PA 19(4). 100
Publication Type: Journal Article (Ongoing Series / Human Performance Optimization)

Abstract:
Special Operations Force (SOF) Operators, spouses, and component representatives were asked to describe what readiness looks like to them and what is needed to achieve it. Their views informed a broad and deep dive into the academic and gray literature for believable measures relevant to operational readiness. This commentary is a synthesis of that work and provides recommendations for ways to improve “readying” strategies, practices, and outcomes to better achieve human- based mission performance. The key modifiers of Operator readiness are family, SOF culture and leadership, and time. Recommendations are to measure SOF mission performance to define premission Operator readiness; conceptualize mission readiness in terms of assets and not just deficits; combine experiential wisdom with that gained from the study of in-mission performance and premission readiness data; establish SOF phenotypes for use by all components; address emerging fields (doping, sleep, mental toughness, spiritual readiness, moral injury); and develop a simple readiness index.

Keywords: family readiness; mission performance; operator readiness; POTFF; Special Operations Forces
PMID: 31910481

DOI: 10.55460/MPAK-RB6Q