Delta Force

Delta Force is the United States Army's elite counter terrorism unit.

This super-secretive outfit goes by / has been rumored to have used various names:

  • Delta Force
  • 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D)
  • Army Compartmented Elements (ACE)
  • Combat Applications Group (CAG)
  • Delta

Delta operators themselves simply refer to their organization as 'the Unit'.

Delta Force - Role

Delta's main mission is counter-terrorism (CT). This includes:

  • hostage rescue
  • the capture / elimination of terrorist forces
  • intelligence gathering on terrorist threats

Other roles include:

  • close protection (guarding VIPs)
  • unconventional warfare

Since their inception, Delta have become masters at the dark arts of counter terrorism. The unit's operators are highly skilled in sniping and close quarters combat (CQB), dynamic and covert entry, explosives and hand-to-hand combat. Over the years, Delta have developed a working knowledge of systems on aircraft, trains, ships and vehicles that enables them to intervene and take control of any scenario in any environment. Regular exercises with US and foreign CT units keeps their skill-set and knowledge-base up-to-date. A Delta Force team is reportedly on immediate standby to respond to a terrorist threat. Delta's CT role overlaps to some degree with the Navy unit, DEVGRU

Delta Force - Organization

Delta Force's structure is similar to the British 22nd Special Air Service Regiment, the unit which inspired Delta's creator, Charles Beckworth. The unit is based a Fort Bragg, NC.

Delta Force is reportedly organized into 4 Squadrons :

  • A Squadron
  • B Squadron
  • C Squadron
  • D Squadron

Each squadron is made up of 3 Troops

  • 1 x Recce / Sniper Troop
  • 2 x Direct Action / Assault troops

Delta operators begin their career in an assault troop. The more experienced and skilled operators may get assigned to a reconnaissance troop.

It has been reported that Delta includes a specialized element that is dedicated to hghly sensitive reconnaissance operations. This element, smaller than a normal squadron, is similar to DEVGRU's Black squadron.

Delta is under the command of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and is considered a 'Tier One' Special Mission Unit (SMU).

Delta Force Insignia
Delta Force insignia
 
Featured Delta Force Photo
delta force photos
Delta Force operators guarding General Norman Scharzkopf. (click for fullsize)
more Delta Force photos
 
Delta Force Weapons
delta force weapons
Delta operators are often armed with the HK 416 5.56mm x 45mm carbine.

more info: Delta Force weapons
 
Delta Force Selection
selection
Soldiers wishing to join Delta Force must undergo a tough selection process.

more info : Delta Force selection
 
Delta Force Operations
operations
A look at some notable missions that Delta have carried out

more info : Delta Force Operations
 

Aviation Platoon

It is believed that Delta Force is supported by an Aviation Platoon which operates a small fleet of AH-6 and MH-6 helicopters, some painted in civilian colors. The Aviation Platoon is not to be confused with the 160th SOAR, who also provide helicopter support to Delta Force. The aviation platoon is understood to also fly missions for the CIA.

Support elements

Delta are supported by dedicated signalers (radio communications), logistics, medical and intelligence personnel.

  • signals squadron
  • support squadron
Members of these supporting squadrons are not 'operators' ie they have not ncessarily completed the Operator Training Course (OTC).

Delta Force Resources

Delta Force Photos
delta force - gulf war i delta force - iraq task force delta force - afghanistan delta force - scud hunting delta force - iraq task force
more Delta Force photos

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