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Red Beret: Structural Violence In The Vietnam War

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In the military, a type of structural violence exists at large between various types of units. The Army can be broken down into Conventional and Special Operations Forces (SOF). A conventional unit is comprised of basic Army Soldiers that are tasked to defend the United States and win its wars. Airborne units are the same as conventional units, however, these units parachute from airplanes into enemy areas with the intent of wrecking havoc and destruction. What distinguishes Airborne and non-Airborne units is the Red Beret that is worn with the uniform. SOF units are highly trained, highly specialized units comprised of soldiers that deploy in small teams. SOF units are lead by Special Forces soldiers, who wear the Green Beret, or Rangers, …show more content…

Airborne soldiers assigned to SOF units are provided more opportunities for training, as compared to their non-Airborne counterparts, as the unit fosters a culture of being highly trained. Often, these Airborne soldiers are afforded better dining facilities and gyms as the culture in SOF units is to be physical better than the conventional units. These are two of the structural violence themes from SOF units and Conventional units. Within SOF units, the structural violence continues between those soldiers that wear Green Berets/Tan Berets and those who wear Red Berets. SOF units are designed and lead by soldiers that under go special operations training. These soldiers view Airborne soldiers who are assigned to the SOF unit as enabling, not enhancing, SOF soldiers’ missions. This often presents the feeling of being devalued even thought these soldiers are apart of the same team and are working to complete the same …show more content…

In the above example, it is unknown if he asked or was forced to take such an assignment. However, what is known is that there are five SOF positions this person may fill as apposed to approximately one hundred logician assignments that are not broadening but just as challenging. In the short term, his annual performance rating may not place him one of five. Yet, he still may receive a rating that is held in high regard. When this particular LTC leaves the organization he will have set himself apart by being subjected to structural violence, whether willing or

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