Delta Force facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Airborne)— Delta Force — |
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USASOC patch worn by Delta Force
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| Active | 21 November 1977 – present |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Type | Special Operations |
| Role | Tier One Special Operations Force |
| Size | Classified |
| Part of |  U.S. Special Operations Command Joint Special Operations Command U.S. Army Special Operations Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort Bragg, North Carolina |
| Nickname(s) | The Unit |
| Engagements | Operation Eagle Claw Operation Urgent Fury Operation Just Cause Operation Acid Gambit Gulf War Operation Restore Hope Operation Gothic Serpent
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The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D) is a very special unit of the United States Army. It is often called Delta Force or simply The Unit. This group is highly secret and made up of some of the best soldiers.
Delta Force takes on very dangerous missions. These include stopping terrorism, rescuing people held hostage, and other direct action tasks. They are considered "Tier One" special forces. This means they are among the most elite and highly trained units in the world.
What is Delta Force?
Delta Force is not a unit just anyone can join. They look for soldiers who are already very skilled. Most of their members come from other elite groups. These include the Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets. They also recruit from the 75th Ranger Regiment. These are already highly trained special operations units.
How Delta Force Started
Delta Force was created on November 21, 1977. It was founded by Colonel Charles Beckwith. He believed the U.S. Army needed a special unit. This unit would focus on counter-terrorism missions. He had seen similar units in other countries.
What Delta Force Does
Delta Force has several important jobs. Their main roles include:
- Counter-terrorism: Stopping terrorist groups and preventing attacks.
- Hostage rescue: Freeing people who have been captured.
- Direct action: Quick, small attacks on important targets.
- Special reconnaissance: Gathering secret information about enemies.
These missions often happen in secret. Delta Force members work in many different places around the world.
Important Missions and Operations
Delta Force has been involved in many major events. Here are a few examples:
Operation Eagle Claw (1980)
This was one of Delta Force's first big missions. It aimed to rescue American hostages in Iran. The mission faced many problems and was not successful. However, it taught the U.S. military important lessons. These lessons helped improve future special operations.
Operation Urgent Fury (1983)
Delta Force took part in the invasion of Grenada. This mission helped protect American citizens. It also helped restore order on the island.
Operation Just Cause (1989)
During the invasion of Panama, Delta Force had key roles. They helped capture important targets. They also provided security for leaders.
The Gulf War (1991)
Delta Force soldiers were active during the Persian Gulf War. They hunted for enemy missiles. They also protected important people, like General Norman Schwarzkopf.
Operation Gothic Serpent (1993)
This operation took place in Mogadishu, Somalia. Delta Force was part of a mission to capture warlords. This led to the famous Battle of Mogadishu (1993). It was a very intense fight.
War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
Delta Force played a big role in Afghanistan. They hunted down terrorist leaders. They also took part in battles like the Battle of Tora Bora.
Iraq War (2003-2011)
During the Iraq War, Delta Force was very active. They helped capture important enemy figures. One famous mission was Operation Red Dawn. This led to the capture of a former leader. They also rescued people, like Roy Hallums.
Images for kids
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Delta Force's founder Charles Beckwith in 1980
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Delta Force bodyguards in civilian clothing providing close protection to General Norman Schwarzkopf during the Persian Gulf War, 1991
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Delta Force operators in clandestine attire
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Example of the "Code of the Special Forces Operator", dated 1959. This example pre-dates Delta, among other units.
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Delta Force soldiers, pictured deep behind Iraqi lines during the 1991 Gulf War
See also
In Spanish: Fuerza Delta para niños
