Special operations forces reflect on lessons of terror fight
The Pentagon’s command for elite special operations forces is assessing how repeated deployments to the Middle East during the war on terror have impacted the forces' core values.
![MIDEAST-CRISIS/SYRIA-KURDS U.S military vehicles travel in the northeastern city of Qamishli, Syria April 29, 2017. Picture taken April 29, 2017. REUTERS/Rodi Said - RC1FC8E9DC90](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2019/07/RTS14IHL%20%28002%29.jpg/RTS14IHL%20%28002%29.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=XOI9FWbQ)
The Pentagon’s command for elite special operations forces is examining how repeated deployments to the Middle East during the war on terror have impacted the forces' core values and how to preserve the lessons of the nearly 18-year fight after completing an initial review. The evaluation followed a spate of disciplinary incidents.
The US Special Operations Command “is undertaking an assessment of the cumulative effects of over seventeen years of continuous combat,” the elite command wrote to Congress in February. The command said the effort includes “increased support on organizational culture and values.”