History of Delta Force in Timeline

Delta Force, officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta and also referred to as CAG or Task Force Green, is a special operations force within the U.S. Army, operating under the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Its core missions encompass counterterrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and special reconnaissance. Delta Force is frequently deployed against high-value targets in various operational theaters, making it a critical component of the U.S. military's special operations capabilities. They are known for their rigorous selection process and specialized training, enabling them to execute complex and high-risk missions.

1976: Discussion with Brigadier John Watts

In 1976, Beckwith spoke with Brigadier John Watts in England, who advised him that it would take eighteen months to build a squadron but to tell Army leaders that it would take two years.

November 1977: Delta Force Establishment

On November 1977, Delta Force was established by Beckwith and Colonel Thomas Henry.

1977: Delta Force Creation

In 1977, Delta Force was created due to the increase in terrorist incidents, leading the U.S. government to form a full-time counter-terrorism unit.

September 1978: First Training Course Completion

In September 1978, Delta Force's first training course was completed.

November 1979: Iran Hostage Crisis

In November 1979, 52 American diplomats and citizens were taken captive and held in the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran.

1979: Delta Force Certified

In the fall of 1979, Delta Force was certified as fully mission capable.

1980: Operation Eagle Claw

In 1980, Delta Force was tasked to plan and execute Operation Eagle Claw to recover the hostages, but the operation was aborted due to helicopter failures.

1983: Operation Urgent Fury

In 1983, Delta Force was awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award for service during Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada.

December 1989: Operation Just Cause

In December 1989, during Operation Just Cause in Panama, Delta Force was involved in the capture of Manuel Noriega and was awarded the Valorous Unit Award.

1989: E Squadron Activation

In 1989, E Squadron was activated and stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia, known as the Aviation Technology Office.

1990: C Squadron Activation

Around 1990, C Squadron was activated within Delta Force.

October 1993: Operation Gothic Serpent

In October 1993, 1st SFOD-D operators were involved in Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia, and MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shughart were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions on 3 October 1993 during the Battle of Mogadishu.

October 2001: Operation Enduring Freedom

In October 2001, 1st SFOD-D was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for combat operations in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from 4 October 2001 to 15 March 2002.

2001: Delta Force Size Described

In 2001, Sean Naylor described Delta Force as having nearly 1,000 soldiers, with 250 to 300 trained for direct action and hostage rescue.

March 2002: Operation Enduring Freedom

In March 2002, 1st SFOD-D was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for combat operations in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from 4 October 2001 to 15 March 2002.

March 2003: Operation Iraqi Freedom

In March 2003, 1st SFOD-D was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for combat operations in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 19 March 2003 to 13 December 2003.

December 2003: Operation Iraqi Freedom

In December 2003, 1st SFOD-D was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for combat operations in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 19 March 2003 to 13 December 2003.

2005: Combat Support Squadron Activation

In 2005, the Combat Support Squadron was activated.

June 2006: General Downing's Testimony

On June 2006, General Wayne Downing testified that Delta Force is approximately 70 percent Rangers.

2006: D Squadron Activation

In 2006, D Squadron was activated within Delta Force.

2010: Army Compartmented Elements (ACE)

In 2010, Marc Ambinder reported that Army Compartmented Elements (ACE) was a new cover name for Delta Force, but later clarified it was a different unit.

October 2019: Raid on Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's Compound

On 26 October 2019, Delta operators, accompanied by members of the 75th Ranger Regiment, conducted a raid on the compound of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leading to his death.