Women in Leadership Roles in Special Missions Unit
Trust, Adaptability, and Commitment in Elite Military Operations
Noelle Lemke
A Special Missions Unit (SMU) soldier engages targets during a marksmanship competition on Fort Liberty, North Carolina, in summer 2024
A Special Missions Unit (SMU) soldier engages targets during a marksmanship competition on Fort Liberty, North Carolina, in summer 2024. (Photo courtesy of SMU Public Affairs)
The Special Missions Unit (SMU) based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, represents the pinnacle of U.S. military capability for conducting focused, specialized activities and operations worldwide in accordance with Joint Publication 3-05, Joint Doctrine for Special Operations, as designated by the president and secretary of defense.1 The organization comprises less than 1 percent of the U.S. Army and is characterized by an especially rigorous selection process together with intensive training that culminates in unparalleled operational effectiveness.
This article illuminates the experiences of women within SMU whose roles have become essential for dealing with the most complex challenges faced by the national mission force. Their work exemplifies the culture of excellence that characterizes these units, demonstrating how these attributes are key to overcoming the most demanding obstacles in national security. Examining some examples of women’s experiences in leadership positions illustrates how they both share and embody the core values of trust, adaptability, and commitment that define SMU culture and how their contributions have been key to overall SMU success. Quotes in this article are unattributed to protect the soldiers’ identities.
Assessment and Selection
“We are not looking for the best person; we are looking for the right person.”
—An abiding guiding principle in the SMU selection process
The unyielding standards of Special Missions Unit selection—a commitment to excellence. Selection is based on rigorous and highly selective criteria. The SMU selection process focuses on evaluating candidates for risk, suitability, and compatibility to meet the high demands of the unit. Once selected, individuals undergo comprehensive training to immerse them in the unit’s culture, values, and mission.
https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/Online-Exclusive/2024-OLE/Women-in-Leadership/
