Yes, there are female Green Berets serving in the United States Army Special Forces.
Women's Evolving Role in Army Special Operations
The integration of women into all combat roles, including highly specialized units like the Green Berets, marks a significant shift in military policy and practice. While women have long been integral to the broader Army special operations community, their direct participation as Green Berets is a relatively recent development.
- Overall Presence: There are approximately 2,300 women serving across the diverse spectrum of Army special operations. This group constitutes about 8% of the total personnel in this specialized military community, which includes elite forces such as Special Forces and Rangers.
- Support vs. Combat Roles: The vast majority of these women historically served, and continue to serve, in vital support roles. These positions are crucial for mission success, encompassing intelligence, logistics, medical support, and communication, among others.
- Direct Combat Integration: With the lifting of restrictions on women in direct combat roles, a select few have met the rigorous standards required to become Green Berets. Currently, fewer than 10 women have successfully completed the demanding Special Forces Qualification Course (often known as the "Q Course") to earn this distinction. The first woman to become a Green Beret achieved this milestone approximately three years ago, originating from the National Guard.
Becoming a Green Beret requires unparalleled physical and mental resilience, strategic thinking, and leadership abilities, with all candidates needing to meet the same stringent criteria regardless of gender.
