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Delta Force, or Combat Applications Group (CAG), officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), is one of the United States’ premier covert counter-terrorism units. Operating under the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Delta Force is designed to conduct a variety of secret missions, including direct action, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and high-value target elimination. The unit’s origins, development, and operational history underscore its crucial role in addressing global threats and conducting special operations where precision, secrecy, and effectiveness are paramount.

Formation and Early Years

Delta Force was established on November 19, 1977, by Colonel Charles Beckwith, inspired by his experiences as an exchange officer with the British Army’s Special Air Service (SAS). Recognizing the need for a similar unit within the United States Army capable of responding to terrorist threats, Beckwith proposed the formation of a special operations force modeled after the SAS, emphasizing rigorous selection, intensive training, and a high degree of autonomy.

Beckwith was born on January 22, 1929, in Georgia, USA. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Public Administration and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry in 1952.
During the early years of his military career, Beckwith served in various command and staff positions in the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

The 1970s saw a rise in international terrorism, highlighted by events such as the Munich Olympic Games massacre in 1972. The failure of Operation Eagle Claw in 1980, the aborted mission to rescue American hostages in Iran, underscored the need for a proficient counter-terrorism force, leading to an increased emphasis on enhancing Delta Force’s capabilities and resources.

Key Operations and Milestones

· Operation Eagle Claw (1980): Despite the mission’s failure and its role as a catalyst for improving U.S. special operations capabilities, it was a pivotal moment for Delta Force and the U.S. military’s special operations community.

· Operation Urgent Fury (1983): Delta Force played a role in the invasion of Grenada, marking one of its early operational deployments.

· Operation Just Cause (1989): Delta operatives were involved in the United States’ invasion of Panama to oust Manuel Noriega.

· Operation Gothic Serpent (1993): Perhaps one of the most famous engagements involving Delta Force was in Somalia, as part of Task Force Ranger. The operation, particularly the Battle of Mogadishu, was later depicted in the book and film “Black Hawk Down.” The intense combat operations in Mogadishu highlighted the risks and challenges of urban counter-terrorism missions.

· Post-9/11 Operations: Since the September 11 attacks, Delta Force has been heavily involved in the Global War on Terror. They have conducted numerous high-profile raids and operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other theaters against al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist organizations. Notable operations include the rescue of hostages and the elimination of key terrorist figures.

Modern Era and Operations

Delta Force remains shrouded in secrecy, with the U.S. government seldom acknowledging its activities or even its existence officially. However, it is known that the unit continues to play a vital role in national security and counter-terrorism efforts around the globe. Delta operators are selected from the ranks of the U.S. military, undergoing a rigorous selection process and training regime designed to test physical endurance, mental toughness, and tactical proficiency.

Delta Force’s history is characterized by its adaptability, expertise, and commitment to executing the United States’ most critical and sensitive military operations. While much of its work remains classified, the impact of Delta Force on the evolution of special operations and counter-terrorism tactics is significant, making it an essential component of the U.S. military’s strategic capabilities.

Find out More

There is a vast amount of literature that can be found on the Internet about Delta Force. Surprisingly, many focus on mental and physical training rather than the organization itself. It is as if a whole community of PTs is out there, just waiting to share back-breaking exercises—some with solid connections to Delta Force training, and some not so much. Anyhow, please feel free to check out the list below for additional information.

1. Inside Delta Force by Eric Haney. Eric Haney was one of the founding members of Delta Force and provides a firsthand account of the unit’s early days, selection process, training, and missions.
2. Delta Force: The Army’s Elite Counterterrorist Unit by Charlie A. Beckwith. This book, authored by Colonel Charles Beckwith himself, offers insights into the formation and early years of Delta Force.
3. Kill Bin Laden: A Delta Force Commander’s Account of the Hunt for the World’s Most Wanted Man by Dalton Fury. Written by a former Delta Force commander, this book details the hunt for Osama bin Laden and the operations leading up to his death.
4. The Only Thing Worth Dying For: How Eleven Green Berets Forged a New Afghanistan by Eric Blehm. Though primarily about Green Berets, this book also covers aspects of Delta Force involvement in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks.
5. The Unit, National Geographic Channel. This documentary series offers an in-depth look at various special operations units, including Delta Force. It provides insights into training, missions, and the lives of operators.
6. Inside Combat Rescue, National Geographic Channel. While not focused solely on Delta Force, this series showcases the work of special operations medics, including those who work closely with Delta operators.
7. U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Website. The official website of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command provides general information about Delta Force and other specialized units.
8. Department of Defense (DoD) Publications. The DoD occasionally releases declassified information and publications related to special operations units, which may include Delta Force.
9. U.S. Army Special Operations Command History Office. This office maintains historical records and publications related to all Army special operations units, including Delta Force.
10. Black Hawk Down. Move based on true events in Somalia, it involves Delta Force operators.
11. GlobalSecurity.org – Delta Force. This website offers a detailed overview of Delta Force, its history, organization, and notable operations. GlobalSecurity.org – Delta Force
12. The ShadowSpear Special Operations Community. ShadowSpear is an online forum where military members, veterans, and enthusiasts discuss various aspects of special operations, including Delta Force. ShadowSpear Special Operations