Delta Force
The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (1st SFOD-D), referred to variously as Delta Force, Combat Applications Group (CAG), or within Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Task Force Green, is a special operations force of the United States Army, under operational control of JSOC. The unit's missions primarily involve counterterrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and special reconnaissance, often against high-value targets.
| 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta (Airborne) | |
|---|---|
USASOC's shoulder sleeve insignia worn by Delta operators, depicting the historical Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife inside the outline of an arrowhead. | |
| Founded | 19 November 1977 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Type | Special mission unit |
| Role | Special operations Counterterrorism |
| Size | Classified see below |
| Part of | Joint Special Operations Command U.S. Army Special Operations Command |
| Headquarters | Fort Liberty, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Nickname(s) | The Unit, D'Boys |
| Engagements | |
| Decorations | Presidential Unit Citation Joint Meritorious Unit Award Valorous Unit Award |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Classified |
| Notable commanders | Charles Alvin Beckwith William F. Garrison William G. Boykin Peter J. Schoomaker Eldon A. Bargewell Gary L. Harrell Bennet S. Sacolick Austin S. Miller Mark J. O'Neil Christopher T. Donahue |
| Insignia | |
| USASOC Distinctive Unit Insignia | |
Delta Force, along with the Intelligence Support Activity, and its Navy and Air Force counterparts, DEVGRU (SEAL Team 6) and the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, are the U.S. military's tier one special mission units that are tasked with performing the most complex, covert, and dangerous missions directed by the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense.
Most Delta Force operators and combat support members are selected from the Army Special Operations Command's 75th Ranger Regiment and U.S. Army Special Forces, though selection is open to other special operations and conventional units across the Army and other military branches.