Delta Force is widely known to be among the globe’s best and most secret special operations forces—a force born of necessity and tempered in practice. Its origins date back to the experience of the British Special Air Service (SAS), the pioneering modern special operations force. Colonel Charles Beckwith, the man who started Delta and was a veteran Green Beret, was trained by the SAS and adopted their unconventional methods, their tough selection program, and meticulous detail.
When the U.S. saw that it had a requirement for a specialized counter-terrorism team in the late 1970s, Beckwith applied those lessons and created a small, highly trained force capable of accomplishing the toughest missions.
Officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), the unit was formed in 1977 and has since been reputed to be equal to the US elite special operations. The unit has served under various designations throughout the years—Combat Applications Group (CAG), Army Compartmented Element (ACE), “The Unit,” and Task Force Green—but it has carried out one mission: counterterrorism, direct action, hostage rescue, and deep reconnaissance. Delta Force conducts highly classified operations many times as directed by the highest levels of the U.S. government, which speaks to how sensitive and critical its mission is.
The organizational structure of Delta reflects its roots in the SAS, emphasizing small, highly skilled units that operate independently or are integrated into larger operations. Headquartered at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, the unit is assigned to the Army for administrative purposes but is under the control of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
The unit has around 1,000 members assigned to Delta, of which 250–300 are the core “Operators.” The operational core consists of four assault squadrons—A, B, C, and D—each comprising three troops: two in direct action and one for reconnoitering and surveillance, typically including sniper units. Other specialized squadrons include aviation (E), clandestine operations (G), combat support, and the Computer Network Operations Squadron (CNOS), better known as “The Digital Devils,” which performs cyber operations.
It takes a nightmare to get into Delta Force. Candidates are primarily drawn from Army Special Forces and the 75th Ranger Regiment, but top candidates from other branches of the military can be chosen. The selection course is physically and mentally challenging, testing endurance, judgment, and tactical skill. Candidates must meet rigorous requirements: rank E-4 to E-8 for enlisted or O-3 to O-4 for officers, airborne certification, minimum ASVAB score of 110, and Secret eligibility for clearance.
They are picked twice a year at Camp Dawson, West Virginia, in a four-week trial of intensive testing, such as land navigation abilities, marching endurance, weaponry skills, and evaluation of psychology. The final test is the infamous “long walk,” a 40-mile ruck march based on the SAS “long drag.” Few pass on to the six-month Operators Training Course (OTC), where marksmanship, demolition, tradecraft, executive protection, and complex mission simulations are honed. Throughout, teamwork, resilience, and high-stress performance are the focus.
Delta Force’s operational principles emphasize speed, accuracy, and flexibility. Operators excel in high-intensity raids, close-quarters combat, hostage rescue missions, and taking out high-value targets in urban and wilderness settings. Their operations prefer multi-level tactics: assault teams break and clear, cordons cordon off reinforcements, and sniper teams provide overwatch. Operators employ ISR drones, close air support, and advanced recon to enhance their effectiveness. Training is progressive and revolutionary, involving vehicle interdiction exercises on-board moving trains and glass-shooting practice to study bullet deflection.
Gear and small arms reflect Delta’s cutting-edge aesthetic. The HK 416 assault rifle, a joint development with Heckler & Koch, is a regular, much-valued for reliability and modularity. Suppressed close-quarters firearms, such as the Sig MCX LVAW .300 Blackout, are added when needed. Accuracy rifles like the SR-25, HK 417, and Remington MSR provide long-range killing capability, with sidearms ranging from specialized Colt M1911A1s to newer Glocks with sights and compensators. Support fires consist of the M240, Mk 48, and FGM-148 Javelin, providing Delta with the ability to counter man and armor targets. Their gear is also cutting-edge, with CRYE plate carriers, Ops-Core helmets, and GPNVG-18 night vision gear, all offering the best protection and mobility.
Delta Force has played a central role in some of America’s toughest missions. Lessons of the failed Operation Eagle Claw in Iran led to establishing specialized aviation support, and urban warfare in Mogadishu during Operation Gothic Serpent, featured in Black Hawk Down, demonstrated their resilience. They have played significant roles in the capture of Saddam Hussein, the hostage rescue in Benghazi, and a high-profile raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Such operations demonstrate the unit’s courage, proficiency, and steadfast dedication.
Although rooted in SAS tradition, Delta Force is now a uniquely American tool of strategic leverage. Its commandos remain leaders in tactics, technology, and training and are ready to conduct the world’s most difficult and perilous missions. Whether operating in total secrecy or making headlines, Delta Force remains an integral component of American national security, the pinnacle of special operations expertise.