Two sources within the Special Forces community have informed Connecting Vets that the first female Green Beret accidentally discharged a firearm in her home, and the incident is now being investigated by the Colorado Springs Police Department. The incident occurred on Dec. 12.
“Our command is engaged with local authorities regarding an incident involving one of our soldiers and an apparent accidental discharge of a firearm at an off-post residence in Colorado Springs," Maj. Dan Lessard, spokesperson for 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), told Connecting Vets.
"While the handgun was discharged inside an apartment, no injuries occurred. Because the incident occurred off-post, local authorities have jurisdiction," he said. "We will continue to coordinate with local authorities and closely monitor the civilian case as it moves towards resolution in municipal court."
The female Special Forces soldier has never been named publicly due to personal and operational security concerns.
After federal laws were changed allowing women to serve in combat arms positions for the first time, female soldiers began applying and assessing for units such as Special Forces. The first female Green Beret graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg over the summer in July to great fanfare.
Sources at the time told Connecting Vets that she is of Eastern European heritage and has unique language capabilities. Although she came from a National Guard Special Forces Group, some sources indicated that she would transfer to one of the active duty Special Forces Groups. 10th Special Forces Group is stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado and has the area of responsibility of Europe.
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Reach Jack Murphy: jack@connectingvets.com or @JackMurphyRGR.