What Branch of the Military is Delta Force?
Delta Force is one of the most elite and secretive counterterrorism units in the United States military. But What branch of the military does Delta Force belong to? In this article, we’ll delve into the history and structure of this legendary unit, giving you a deeper understanding of Delta Force’s role within the US military.
Contents
Introduction to Delta Force
Created in 1977 as a response to a dramatic increase in international terrorist acts, Delta Force (formerly known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, also nicknamed "Delta" for convenience) is an extremely prestigious and secretive counter-terrorism organization within the US government.
Who is allowed in Delta Force?
Applicants must meet tough fitness standards, have no military restrictions or limitations on body composition, and go through a rigorous selection course involving extreme physical and psychological training. This ensures they become highly skilled and adaptive assets for counter-terrorism, foreign internal defense, humanitarian tasks, and direct-action forces.
Lambda (Delta Force 1980s-90s)
Delta Force underwent significant developments, particularly during the late 1980s to mid-1990s (Lambda period). Within 1st SFOD, Delta Force maintained top-secret operations without attracting much public attention at times. Some notable moments encompass:
• Bulgaria Hostage Resignation (March, 1990)
As a result of tensions generated by a Bulgarian businessman killing a Turkish citizen while having diplomatic immunity, eight Arab terrorists held 17-20 hostages in central Turkey. Delta Forces breached the location, ended it in under 16 min, rescuing survivors within 15 minutes 57 seconds.
• Ruby Ridge (August- September 1992
Randall Weaver, American sovereign citizen, and alleged AWOL Marine, accused ATF agents of stealing ammunition or guns from his yard.
CTOC (Delta Force late-90s- present 2000s/Post-9/11 Years)
Post-9/11 changes brought more emphasis towards addressing terrorism. Post-Delta Force’s current mandate includes combating terrorism on any scale, from tactical raiding to strategic objectives at home and abroad (for instance, ‘Osama bin Laden Task Forces’).
Now to answer the question,
So What Branch of the Military Is Delta Force?
Delta Force specifically works under the U.S. Army Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, directly reporting to the Central Command (CENTCOM).
For more insight, Delta operatives belong to the
- U.S. Armed Forces Special Operations Command,
- 75th Ranger Regiment, for close ties to the counter terrorism efforts.
