Date
9-19-2024
Department
School of Health Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Chair
Keith Randazzo
Keywords
female elite warfighters, special operations, Marine Corps Special Operations, performance optimization, female integration
Disciplines
Physiology
Recommended Citation
Weis, Bailey, "Physiological and Psychological Performance Considerations of Female Elite Warfighters (FEW) in United States Military Special Operations: A Qualitative Study" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6006.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6006
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand the physical and psychological characteristics of the female elite warfighters (FEW) that have completed a special operations selection or elite combat course in the United States Armed Forces. The theory guiding this study was Kathy Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory (CGT) to gain deeper insight on the female pioneers who are completing special operations selections or elite combat courses by exploring the physical and psychological nature of their experience. The CGT framework for this study highlighted the participants’ background, physical insights, and mental resilience as indicators of their success while enabling each of their voices to be heard. The FEW sample for this study consisted of eleven participants who were among the first women to complete military special operations selections or elite military courses. This study prioritized recruiting a new sample of women who have completed MARSOC A&S, USMC Basic Reconnaissance Course, Advanced Tactical Operations Course, Combat Dive School , Asymmetric Warfare Group, Joint Special Operations Command Special Missions Unit, and incorporated remaining openings with Army Ranger School graduates as they have been the primary focus when researching the FEW in recent studies. Data was collected through a demographic survey, Seidman’s three-interview series, and Yin’s case study and cross-case examination. The data collected was then analyzed utilizing Charmaz and Saldaña’s analysis methods to continuously code and identify themes. The results of this study indicated significant findings involving endurance-based athletics, insight into recruitment strategies, and the significance of individualized physical programming for biological women.
