Abstract
The purpose of this Dissertation in Practice research study was to examine past and present selection processes for sending Special Forces (SF) operators to attend the SF Intelligence Sergeant course, while the aim was to help SF organizations determine ideal ways to identify the best candidates to send to the Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant course using deliberate identification, development, preparation, and evaluation. Ultimately, this study should provide SF leaders with ways to identify those SF operators with the potential of succeeding as SF Intelligence Sergeants. This DIP research study was a qualitative study using a multiple-case study method of data collection and analysis. Thirty-nine participants from five active-duty SF Groups responded to a number of interview questions asking them to explain the importance of the SF Intelligence Sergeant and describe the ideal selection process for sending individuals to the SF Intelligence Sergeant course. The overall expectation from the participants was to improve their ability to identify knowledge, skills, and abilities, and attributes to help choose the best candidate to attend the SFISC. Implications facing the SF Groups during the implementation of the recommendations are (1) requirement for the researcher to assist with implementation of the recommendations, (2) the additional time required for SF leaders to implement recommendations, and (3) that identifying the “right” candidates will shrink the pool of available Special Forces operators available to attend the SFISC.|Keywords: US Army Special Forces, Special Force Operational Detachment – Alpha, Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant, selection process, transformational leadership, servant leadership, talent management, knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA), attributes