Special Forces Identity Crisis; Deja vu all Over Again
Special Forces Identity Crisis; Deja vu all Over Again
by Mark Grdovic
Published November 24, 2025 by Small Wars Journal
The article argues that U.S. Army Special Forces are experiencing a recurring “identity crisis,” largely driven by unclear, overly broad, and poorly maintained doctrine that has blurred the boundaries between core missions like unconventional warfare, counterinsurgency, and counterterrorism.
It highlights how decades of shifting definitions, lack of accessible and practical doctrinal guidance, and failure to capture lessons learned from the Global War on Terror have created confusion within both Special Forces and the broader military about their true role and capabilities.
The author concludes that to remain relevant, Special Forces must simplify and clarify their doctrine, rebuild alignment with their operational “customers,” and adopt a more coherent narrative and employment model grounded in real-world needs rather than vague or inflated concepts.