Delta Force is a highly secretive elite U.S. Army special mission unit, officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (1st SFOD-D), best known for counterterrorism and hostage-rescue operations.

What Delta Force Is

  • Delta Force is a “tier one” special operations unit, meaning it sits at the very top of the U.S. special operations community alongside a small handful of other ultra-elite units.
  • Its official mission set includes counterterrorism, direct action (raids and strikes), hostage rescue, and special reconnaissance, often against high‑value targets in high‑risk environments.
  • The unit operates under the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) operationally, while the Army Special Operations Command handles administrative support.

Origins and History

  • Delta Force was formed in 1977 by Col. Charles Beckwith, who modeled it in part on the British Special Air Service (SAS) after serving with that unit and recognizing the need for a U.S. counterpart focused on terrorism and hostage crises.
  • One of its earliest major missions was the attempted rescue of U.S. hostages in Iran in 1980, known as Operation Eagle Claw, which failed largely because of aviation issues but reshaped U.S. special operations aviation and planning.
  • Since then, Delta operators have taken part in operations in Grenada, Panama, the Gulf War, Somalia (the “Black Hawk Down” incident), Afghanistan, Iraq, and various counterterrorism and high‑value target missions worldwide, some still classified.

How Elite It Is

  • Delta Force is considered one of the most selective units in the U.S. military; most candidates are already experienced special operators, often from Army Rangers or Green Berets, and only a small fraction pass selection.
  • Selection includes intense land‑navigation and endurance events with heavy loads (culminating in a notorious long march sometimes called “The Long Walk”), plus extensive psychological screening and then a months‑long Operator Training Course (OTC) for those who make it.
  • Much of its organization, personnel strength, and current operations remain classified; even its existence is not formally acknowledged in detail by the U.S. government, adding to its “in the shadows” reputation.

Notable Missions (Publicly Known)

  • Iran hostage rescue attempt (Operation Eagle Claw, 1980) – early, unsuccessful but pivotal mission that led to major reforms in U.S. special operations.
  • Battle of Mogadishu / Operation Gothic Serpent (Somalia, 1993) – Delta operators fought alongside Rangers; two operators, Randall Shughart and Gary Gordon, received the Medal of Honor posthumously.
  • High‑value target raids such as the capture of Saddam Hussein (Operation Red Dawn) and participation in operations against terrorist leaders and cartel figures like “El Chapo” and Islamic State leadership have been reported in open sources.

Quick SEO‑Style Notes

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  • Related trending context: Online videos and forum discussions often highlight how “dangerous” or capable Delta Force is, emphasizing its demanding selection and its role in high‑risk counterterror and hostage‑rescue missions.

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