Unit Profile
The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta (Airborne) or 1st SFOD-D (A) better known as Delta Force is the US Army's primary abroad counter terrorism unit. The unit was created by Colonel Charles Beckwith in 1977 following the lines of the British Special Air Service. Delta Force members (who have no distinctive items of uniform wear) are utilised in hostage rescue roles, as well as in other special counter-terrorism actions, most of which are.
The organisation and training of Delta Force personnel is classified. Besides the operational squadron, the unit reportedly maintains an intelligence unit, known as the funny platoon. They grew out of a long-running dispute/rivalry with Intelligence Support Activity. They will infiltrate a country ahead of a Delta intervention to gather intelligence. They are the only US Special Operation Force to employ woman in a combat role. Another unit within Delta Force is the Aviation Squadron. This unit reportedly consists of twelve AH-6 Attack and MH-6 Transport helicopters. These have been painted in civilian colours and have fake tail number ID's. For larger operations Delta relies on the 160th SOAR and USAF.
Delta Force members are drawn from a variety of sources, including other Special Operations Forces. Delta Force is usually referred to by the US Government as either "the 1st Special Operations Detachment," or "the 1st Combat Applications Group." The group is small (estimates generally run to less than 800 members), and operates in small teams deep inside hostile territory, often with orders to terminate with stealth and impunity.
Having had their traditional missions muddied considerably by political necessity, military misuse and new threats. That is why you find SFOD-D hunting SCUDs in Desert Storm (a political necessity to keep Israel from broadening the war) or assisting in Peacekeeping Operations in Somalia (a new threats environment). SFOD-D itself has grown from a hostage rescue force into a covert/clandestine special operations force with many missions outside of hostages.
Domestically, the involvement of Delta is trickier but far from unlikely. Having them attached as observers, advisors or liaisons can get them involved in any domestic operation. In any case where the threat of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction and so on are involved, military personnel from this unit will be involved in these roles. SFOD-D is barred from performing domestic hostage operations (that is the responsibility of the FBI's HRT) but since the inception of Presidential Decision Directive-25 (PDD-25), Delta is exempt from the Posse Comitatus Act in other areas.
All operators in Delta have been issued Federal Weapons Permits, which allow them to travel anywhere armed. The unit maintains relaxed grooming standards (long hair, earrings, etc.) to assist in undercover operations. All members of Delta and their families are given cover stories to prevent their unit affiliation from leaking out.
There are indications that Delta no longer goes by this names. They are left on for dealing with the public but are referred to by some other designation in official communications. This is however unconfirmed.
Mission
- Direct action
- Strategic reconnaissance
- Unconventional warfare
- Foreign internal defence
- Counterterrorism
- Theatre search and rescue
- Activities specified by Government
Raised and Disbanded
- Raised: 1977
Units
- A squadron
- B squadron
- C squadron
- D - Command and Control squadron
- E - Communications, Intelligence and Administrative Support squadron
- Medical detachment
- Aviation platoon
- Funny platoon
Headquarters
- Fort Bragg, North Carolina, USA