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. Having them attached as observers, advisors or liaisons can get them involved in any domestic operation. SFOD-D itself has grown from a hostage rescue force into a covert/clandestine special operations force with many missions outside of hostages.ĭomestically, the involvement of Delta is trickier but far from unlikely. 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). Having had their traditional missions muddied considerably by political necessity, military misuse and new threats. 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. For larger operations Delta relies on the 160th SOAR and USAF.ĭelta Force members are drawn from a variety of sources, including other Special Operations Forces. These have been painted in civilian colours and have fake tail number ID's. This unit reportedly consists of twelve AH-6 Attack and MH-6 Transport helicopters. Another unit within Delta Force is the Aviation Squadron. They are the only US Special Operation Force to employ woman in a combat role. They will infiltrate a country ahead of a Delta intervention to gather intelligence. They grew out of a long-running dispute/rivalry with Intelligence Support Activity. Besides the operational squadron, the unit reportedly maintains an intelligence unit, known as the funny platoon. The organisation and training of Delta Force personnel is classified. 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 unit was created by Colonel Charles Beckwith in 1977 following the lines of the British Special Air Service. 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.

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