Special Forces face down impacts of war on terror

The Pentagon’s Special Operations Command is planning to study the impacts of the 17-year war on terror in the Middle East on the force.
US Army special forces sit on top of their Humvees as they secure important ground in the south of the city of Najaf in central Iraq, March 23, 2003. US infantry and engineers secured the ground after heavy gun fires with Iraqi soldiers during the night. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach REUTERS KP/FMS - RP3DRINFAQAA
US Army Special Forces sit on top of their Humvees as they secure important ground in the south of the city of Najaf in central Iraq, March 23, 2003. - REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
JackDetsch.jpeg
Jack Detsch
@JackDetsch_ALM

The Pentagon’s Special Operations Command — known as SOCOM — is looking into how brain trauma from the 17-year war on terror in the Middle East has impacted elite US troops.

First led by former SOCOM chief, Gen. Tony Thomas, the command is examining whether trauma suffered by special operators, including brain fatigue and abnormalities in the visual cortex, impact the ability of elite troops to make snap decisions in the field.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 for annual access.

Videos

See more