• According to a report by the Defense Advisory Committee of Women In The Services, Fenton prioritized outreach efforts to “diversify” SOCOM.
  • “Within 120 days of taking command, GEN Fenton established new priorities. Ms. Sampson stated people are the enterprise priority for SOCOM and characterized them as the center of gravity. In support of current and future mission success, SOCOM supports Service outreach efforts to assess, select, educate, train, diversify, equip, and transform innovative and groundbreaking teams”
• General Fenton’s commitment to upholding DEI policy in Special Operations Command is evident through multiple statements to Congress.
  • During his Senate hearing preceding his promotion to Joint SOCOM commander, part of his response to the question, “In your view, what are the major challenges confronting the next Commander of USSOCOM?” Was:
    • “The first is talent management – recruiting, selecting, training, and retaining the right people for special operations. Mission success requires a diverse, innovative, inclusive, and empowered team of SOF professionals.”
  • April 10th, 2024: Joint statement with CHRISTOPHER P. MAIER.
    • Referred to diversity as an “asymmetric advantage”:
    • “Diversity in our SOF formations provides an asymmetric advantage. SOF teammates with unique skillsets, experiences, and backgrounds can devise culturally attuned and innovative solutions to key operational problems.”
  • March 9th, 2023: Joint statement with CHRISTOPHER P. MAIER.
    • “We continue reinforcing efforts to enhance diversity in our workforce and foster inclusive work environments through USSOCOM’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan and the accompanying 2022 Implementation Action Plan”
    • “While this progress is important and notable, it is not sufficient. Our sustained commitment to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility strategic goals and implementing successful best practices from across the enterprise will spur continued progress”

Photo Source: Department of Defense