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| # 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (Airborne)
The **1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (Airborne)**, commonly known as **Delta Force**, **Combat Applications Group (CAG)**, or within the [Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)](/Joint_Special_Operations_Command) as **Task Force Green**, is a highly classified [special operations force](/Special_operation_forces) of the [United States Army](/United_States_Army). Operating under the direct control of JSOC, Delta Force is tasked with executing some of the most complex, covert, and high-stakes missions in the U.S. military arsenal. These missions primarily include [counterterrorism](/Counterterrorism), [hostage rescue](/Hostage), [direct action](/Direct_action_(military)), and [special reconnaissance](/Special_reconnaissance), often targeting [high-value individuals](/High-value_target) deemed critical to national security.
Delta Force, alongside its counterparts such as the [Intelligence Support Activity (ISA)](/Intelligence_Support_Activity), [DEVGRU (SEAL Team 6)](/SEAL_Team_Six), and the [24th Special Tactics Squadron](/24th_Special_Tactics_Squadron), represents the pinnacle of the U.S. military's [special mission units (SMUs)](/Special_mission_unit). These units are reserved for operations of such sensitivity and strategic importance that they are personally authorized by the [President of the United States](/President_of_the_United_States) and the [Secretary of Defense](/United_States_Secretary_of_Defense). The selection process for Delta Force is notoriously rigorous, drawing primarily from the [Army Special Operations Command (USASOC)](/United_States_Army_Special_Operations_Command), including the [75th Ranger Regiment](/75th_Ranger_Regiment) and [U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets)](/United_States_Army_Special_Forces), though candidates from other branches and conventional units are also considered.
## History
### Founding and Early Development
Delta Force was officially established on **19 November 1977**, under the leadership of [Colonel Charles Alvin Beckwith](/Charles_Alvin_Beckwith), a visionary [Special Forces](/Special_Forces_(United_States_Army)) officer and [Vietnam War veteran](/Vietnam_War_veteran). Beckwith's inspiration for Delta Force stemmed from his experience as an [exchange officer](/Exchange_officer) with the [British Army's 22 Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment](/Special_Air_Service) during the [Malayan Emergency](/Malayan_Emergency). Recognizing a critical gap in the U.S. military's capabilities, Beckwith advocated for the creation of a unit modeled after the SAS—one that could execute direct action and counterterrorism missions with precision and autonomy.
Despite initial resistance from military leadership, the escalating threat of global terrorism in the 1970s compelled the [Pentagon](/The_Pentagon) to greenlight the formation of Delta Force. Beckwith, alongside Colonel Thomas Henry, oversaw the unit's establishment, with the first selection course commencing in early 1978. The selection process was designed to push candidates to their physical and psychological limits, featuring grueling [land navigation](/Land_navigation) exercises, endurance marches, and psychological evaluations. By the fall of 1979, Delta Force was declared fully operational—just in time to be thrust into one of its first major challenges: the [Iran hostage crisis](/Iran_hostage_crisis).
### Operation Eagle Claw and Aftermath
On **4 November 1979**, 52 American diplomats and citizens were taken hostage in the U.S. Embassy in [Tehran, Iran](/Tehran). Delta Force was tasked with planning and executing **Operation Eagle Claw**, a daring nighttime raid aimed at rescuing the hostages. The operation, conducted on the nights of **24–25 April 1980**, ultimately ended in failure due to a cascade of unforeseen complications, including mechanical failures in the helicopters, a fatal collision between a helicopter and a refueling aircraft, and command-and-control breakdowns. The aftermath of Operation Eagle Claw led to significant reforms in U.S. special operations, including the creation of the [160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)](/160th_Special_Operations_Aviation_Regiment_(Airborne)) ("Night Stalkers") and the establishment of the [Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)](/Joint_Special_Operations_Command) to improve coordination among elite units.
### Evolution and Expansion
Following the lessons learned from Operation Eagle Claw, Delta Force underwent substantial expansion and refinement. The unit's structure was modeled after the British 22 SAS Regiment, with operational squadrons (A, B, C, and D) specializing in direct action and hostage rescue, alongside specialized support squadrons for intelligence, signals, and advanced force operations. Over the decades, Delta Force has been involved in nearly every major U.S. military operation, from the [Persian Gulf War](/Gulf_War) to the [Global War on Terrorism](/War_on_terror), including high-profile missions such as the capture of [Manuel Noriega](/Manuel_Noriega) during [Operation Just Cause](/Operation_Just_Cause) and the raid that resulted in the death of [Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi](/Abu_Bakr_al-Baghdadi), the leader of the [Islamic State (ISIS)](/Islamic_State).
## Organization and Structure
Delta Force operates under the operational control of [JSOC](/Joint_Special_Operations_Command) and is organizationally part of the [U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC)](/United_States_Army_Special_Operations_Command). The unit is headquartered at [Fort Bragg, North Carolina](/Fort_Bragg), though its exact size and composition remain classified. According to accounts from journalists such as [Sean Naylor](/Sean_Naylor), Delta Force is estimated to consist of nearly **1,000 soldiers**, with approximately **250–300 operators** trained for direct action and hostage rescue missions. The remainder of the unit comprises combat support and service support personnel, each selected for their expertise in fields such as intelligence, communications, and logistics.
### Operational Squadrons
Delta Force is divided into several specialized squadrons, each with distinct roles:
- **A, B, C, and D Squadrons (Sabre Squadrons)**: These are the primary assault squadrons, each consisting of three troops. Troops 1 and 2 specialize in direct action, while Troop 3 focuses on [special reconnaissance](/Special_reconnaissance). Each squadron is led by a [lieutenant colonel (O-5)](/Lieutenant_colonel), assisted by an executive officer and a [command sergeant major (E-9)](/Command_sergeant_major). The assault troops are further divided into teams of five to six operators, led by a [master sergeant (E-8)](/Master_sergeant) or [sergeant first class (E-7)](/Sergeant_first_class).
- **E Squadron**: Stationed separately at [Fort Eustis, Virginia](/Fort_Eustis), E Squadron is responsible for [aviation technology and support](/Aviation_Technology_Office), often collaborating with the [160th SOAR](/160th_Special_Operations_Aviation_Regiment_(Airborne)) for airborne operations.
- **G Squadron (Advanced Force Operations)**: Formerly known as the Operational Support Troop (OST), G Squadron specializes in advanced force operations, including intelligence gathering and preparation for direct action missions.
- **Combat Support Squadron**: Activated in 2005, this squadron provides specialized support in areas such as intelligence, communications, and logistics.
- **Signal Squadron and Combat Development Directorate**: These elements focus on maintaining Delta Force's technological edge and developing new tactics and equipment.
### Recruitment and Selection
Recruitment for Delta Force is highly selective, with the Army posting notices in publications such as *Paraglide*, the newspaper of [Fort Bragg](/Fort_Bragg). Candidates must meet stringent criteria, including:
- **Rank**: Enlisted personnel must be between [E-4 and E-8](/U.S._uniformed_services_pay_grades), while officers must be [O-3 or O-4](/Uniformed_services_pay_grades_of_the_United_States).
- **Service Remaining**: At least two and a half years of enlistment remaining.
- **Age**: 22 years or older.
- **Aptitude**: A [General Technical (GT) score](/Armed_Services_Vocational_Aptitude_Battery) of 110 or higher.
- **Security Clearance**: Eligibility for a "[Secret](/United_States_security_clearance)" clearance or higher, with no history of [court-martial](/Court-martial) or disciplinary actions under [Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)](/Uniform_Code_of_Military_Justice).
Selection is conducted twice annually at [Camp Dawson, West Virginia](/Camp_Dawson_(West_Virginia)), and lasts approximately four weeks. The process includes physical fitness tests, land navigation challenges, psychological evaluations, and a final 40-mile (64 km) march with a 45-pound (20 kg) rucksack, known colloquially as **"The Long Walk."** The attrition rate is exceptionally high, with former operators such as [Paul Howe](/Paul_R._Howe) and [Eric Haney](/Eric_Haney) reporting that fewer than 15% of candidates typically complete the selection process.
### Training
The **Operator Training Course (OTC)** is a six-month program that immerses candidates in the full spectrum of Delta Force's operational capabilities. Training modules include:
- **Marksmanship**: Operators train to achieve near-perfect accuracy in close-quarters combat, progressing from stationary targets to dynamic scenarios in [shoot houses](/Kill_house). The training emphasizes instinctive shooting and rapid target acquisition.
- **Demolitions and Breaching**: Operators learn advanced techniques in lock-picking, explosive breaching, and improvised explosives using common materials.
- **Combined Skills**: This phase integrates marksmanship, demolitions, and tactical movement in simulated hostage rescue scenarios, often conducted in collaboration with agencies such as the [FBI](/Federal_Bureau_of_Investigation) and [FAA](/Federal_Aviation_Administration).
- **Tradecraft**: Operators are trained in espionage techniques, including [dead drops](/Dead_drop), [surveillance](/Surveillance), and [counter-surveillance](/Countersurveillance), often with instruction from [CIA](/Central_Intelligence_Agency) personnel.
- **Executive Protection**: Operators undergo advanced driving courses and learn VIP protection techniques developed by the [U.S. Secret Service](/United_States_Secret_Service) and [Diplomatic Security Service (DSS)](/Diplomatic_Security_Service).
- **Culmination Exercise**: The final test requires operators to dynamically apply all acquired skills in a high-pressure, realistic scenario.
Delta Force maintains close relationships with allied special operations units, including the [British SAS](/Special_Air_Service), [Australian SASR](/Special_Air_Service_Regiment), and [Canadian Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2)](/Joint_Task_Force_2), conducting joint training exercises to refine tactics and foster interoperability.
## Operations
Delta Force has participated in nearly every major U.S. military operation since its inception. While many of its missions remain classified, several high-profile operations have been publicly acknowledged:
- **[Operation Urgent Fury (1983)](/Operation_Urgent_Fury)**: The U.S. invasion of [Grenada](/Grenada), where Delta Force played a critical role in securing key objectives. The unit was awarded the [Joint Meritorious Unit Award](/Joint_Meritorious_Unit_Award) for its actions.
- **[Operation Just Cause (1989)](/Operation_Just_Cause)**: The capture of Panamanian dictator [Manuel Noriega](/Manuel_Noriega), for which Delta Force received the [Valorous Unit Award](/Valorous_Unit_Award).
- **[Operation Gothic Serpent (1993)](/Operation_Gothic_Serpent)**: The [Battle of Mogadishu](/Battle_of_Mogadishu_(1993)) in [Somalia](/Somali_Civil_War), where Delta operators [MSG Gary Gordon](/Gary_Gordon) and [SFC Randy Shughart](/Randy_Shughart) were posthumously awarded the [Medal of Honor](/Medal_of_Honor) for their heroic actions.
- **[Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014)](/Operation_Enduring_Freedom)**: Delta Force conducted numerous direct action missions in [Afghanistan](/Afghanistan), including the [Battle of Tora Bora](/Battle_of_Tora_Bora), earning the [Presidential Unit Citation](/Presidential_Unit_Citation_(United_States)).
- **[Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003–2011)](/Operation_Iraqi_Freedom)**: Delta operators were instrumental in high-value target operations, including the capture of [Saddam Hussein](/Saddam_Hussein) and the elimination of key [Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI)](/Al-Qaeda_in_Iraq) leaders.
- **[Death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (2019)](/Death_of_Abu_Bakr_al-Baghdadi)**: Delta Force, alongside the [75th Ranger Regiment](/75th_Ranger_Regiment), executed a daring raid in [Syria](/Syria) that resulted in the death of the [ISIS](/Islamic_State) leader.
## Secrecy and Culture
Delta Force operates under an extraordinary level of secrecy. The [Department of Defense (DoD)](/United_States_Department_of_Defense) rarely acknowledges the unit's existence, and details of its operations are almost never disclosed to the public. Operators are granted significant autonomy and flexibility, including relaxed grooming standards to facilitate undercover operations. The unit's motto, **"Sine Pari" (Without Equal)**, reflects its elite status and unwavering commitment to excellence.
### The Term "Operator"
Within the U.S. special operations community, the term **"operator"** specifically refers to a Delta Force member who has completed both the selection process and the Operator Training Course (OTC). This distinction separates Delta operators from other support personnel assigned to the unit. The term originated within Delta Force and has since been adopted more broadly, though its use remains most closely associated with the unit.
### Notable Commanders
Delta Force has been led by some of the most distinguished officers in the U.S. Army, including:
- **[Colonel Charles Alvin Beckwith](/Charles_Alvin_Beckwith)**: Founder and first commander of Delta Force.
- **[Major General William F. Garrison](/William_F._Garrison)**: Commanded Delta Force during the [Battle of Mogadishu](/Battle_of_Mogadishu_(1993)).
- **[Lieutenant General William G. Boykin](/William_G._Boykin)**: Later served as Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence.
- **[General Peter J. Schoomaker](/Peter_J._Schoomaker)**: Former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army.
- **[Lieutenant General Austin S. Miller](/Austin_S._Miller)**: Former commander of [Resolute Support Mission](/Resolute_Support_Mission) in Afghanistan.
## Controversies and Incidents
### 2023 Israel Incident
In October 2023, during [President Joe Biden](/Joe_Biden)'s visit to [Israel](/Israel), the [White House](/White_House_Office) inadvertently published a photograph featuring Delta Force operators with unblurred faces and visible tattoos. The image, which was quickly circulated on social media, raised concerns about the operators' security and anonymity. The White House later issued an apology, acknowledging the breach of protocol.
### Cover Names and Designations
Delta Force has been referenced under various cover names over the years, including **"Army Compartmented Elements (ACE)"** and, more recently, the **3rd Operational Support Group**. These designations are used to obscure the unit's identity in official documentation and communications.
## Awards and Decorations
Delta Force has been recognized with some of the U.S. military's highest unit awards, including:
- **[Presidential Unit Citation](/Presidential_Unit_Citation_(United_States))**: Awarded for operations in [Afghanistan](/Afghanistan) and [Iraq](/Iraq).
- **[Joint Meritorious Unit Award](/Joint_Meritorious_Unit_Award)**: For actions during [Operation Urgent Fury](/Operation_Urgent_Fury).
- **[Valorous Unit Award](/Valorous_Unit_Award)**: For extraordinary heroism in [Panama](/Panama) during [Operation Just Cause](/Operation_Just_Cause).
## See Also
- [List of Delta Force members](/List_of_Delta_Force_members)
- [List of operations conducted by Delta Force](/List_of_operations_conducted_by_Delta_Force)
- [Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)](/Joint_Special_Operations_Command)
- [U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC)](/United_States_Army_Special_Operations_Command)
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