Moral Injury: Implications for U.S. SOF and Ethical Resiliency

Nearly 160 years ago, Alexander Dumas concluded, “Moral wounds have this peculiarity–they may be hidden, but they never close; always painful, always ready to bleed when touched, they remain fresh and open in the heart.” In this monograph, the authors share a summary, review, and implications of moral injury in Special Operation Forces (SOF) while examining how improperly treated and inadequately cared for moral injury can profoundly affect all within the SOF community.

After conducting research throughout the SOF enterprise and considering the implications of moral injury in SOF, the authors conclude that possibilities and probabilities remain for a restored spirit, renewed hope, and curative healing even after operators have experienced ethical, moral, and spiritual crucibles encountered as a result of SOF duties.