Delta Force

The First Special Forces Operational Detachment- Delta, A.K.A Delta Force is an American army unit focused on hostage rescue and counter-terrorism. Delta force and it’s US Navy part, A.K.A Seal Team Six are both under control of the Joint Special Operations Command, which are the main counter-terrorism units.  

The Delta Force was created on 17th of November 1977, by Charles Alvin Beckwith and Colonel Thomas Henry. During the 70s after many terrorist related incidents the U.S. government decided to establish a full-time counter-terrorist unit. Charlie Beckwith was serving as an exchange officer with the British SAS, during the Malayan Emergency and shortly after when he returned he reported details and highlighted the weakness of not having a unit similar to British SAS. As terrorist threats grew during the 70s the government of the United States and Pentagon appointed Beckwith to form a unit that could deal with the rising problems and after few years the unit we now known was formed. 

On 4th November 1979, 53 U.S. citizens as well as diplomats were taken as captives and held in the U.S. embassy in Iranian capital Tehran. The Operation Eagle Claw, to secretly enter the country and rescue the hostages, was aborted due to flight failures.  

The structure of the unit is very similar to British SAS since it was modeled on them and having over 1000 members, only over 300 operatives are trained to engage in action and the rest are specialized in support. The unit’s Operator Training Course is 6 months long training including: Marksmanship, Demolition, Combined skills, Tradecrafts, Exercises and Protection. Though most of the information regarding the group is classified, only some information about the unit can be read from the publications.