As a result of controversy surrounding the graduation of its first female special tactics officer, the US Air Force has changed its special combat training curriculum and policies to assist the newly co-ed force in succeeding.
The US Air Force has made improvements to its special warfare training program and worked to rebuild trust between leadership and instructors after controversy surrounding the graduation of its first female special tactics officer last year. The Special Warfare Training Wing has clarified the process for candidates, focusing on creating an environment where all can succeed. The pipeline for special forces training includes an initial fitness test, candidate fitness test, assessment and selection, and several other courses. About 70% of trainees wash out of the program, which takes about two years to complete. The Air Force has opened special warfare roles to women since 2015, with seven women earning spots in special warfare in the past nine months. The Wing has created new policies to help the newly co-ed force succeed, including improved mentorship and human performance teams.
