| Language: | English | Abstract: | The capability of Special Forces to operate in a complex and unpredictable security environment requires appropriate adjustments in their operation through seeking various combinations of structures and capabilities as well as synergies in dealing with specific tasks. As much as these tasks are concerned, Special Forces recognize the potential of the female gender. Therefore, by integrating the female gender, a significant shift towards a modern understanding of Special Forces is indicated based on their effectiveness when exploiting the capabilities of both genders. Gender integration is tackled by Special Forces in various ways, ranging from the setting-up of all-female special units and mixed-gender teams, to the temporary integration of female force members into the conduct of specific assignments. The final paper notes that although the advantage of gender integration in the conduct of special assignments has been identified, there remains a considerable dilemma with regard to the formation of mixed-gender structures. A similar situation is observable in practice, where despite the formal opportunities, integration of women into Special Forces is still almost nil. The primary concern is to maintain strict physical selection criteria for both genders. These, on one hand, allow members of Special Forces to preserve their status of elite forces within the armed forces, and, on the other hand, reduce their accessibility for a physically weaker gender. However, adapting the criteria with regard to theoretical and empirical findings does not contribute to a unit%s cohesiveness. Against this background, it has to be emphasized that the problem is related to Special Forces with a prestige global status, where such issues are tackled in a particularly reasoned and processed manner and over a longer period of time. Partial shifts in the integration of women into Special Forces have already been accomplished by some states. Yet, none of these states intend, by no means, to weaken the mission and status of Special Forces through such measures. Based on interviews carried out, the above-stated findings were established in the case of the Special Operation Forces, Slovenian Armed Forces. The trend of integrating women into Special Forces will, hence, remain to depend on the requirements posed by the security environment, which at the same time % is considered to be mainly facilitating the development of Special Forces. | Keywords: | special forces, women in special forces, selection process |
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