History of Delta Force in Timeline

The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force, CAG, or Task Force Green) is a U.S. Army special operations force under the control of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Its missions include counterterrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and special reconnaissance, often targeting high-value targets. Delta Force is highly selective and secretive, operating globally to combat terrorism and other threats. They undergo intense training, and their operations are often classified.

1976: Planning and Justification for Delta Force

In 1976, discussions and planning took place for the formation of Delta Force, with Beckwith estimating a two-year timeframe for the unit to become mission-ready. The "Robert Redford Paper" was drafted to justify the timeline and resources.

November 1977: Establishment of Delta Force

Delta Force was officially established in November 1977 by Beckwith and Colonel Thomas Henry.

1977: Creation of Delta Force

In 1977, Delta Force was created in response to a rise in terrorist incidents, establishing a dedicated counter-terrorism unit within the U.S. government.

September 1978: Completion of First Delta Force Training Course

The initial Delta Force training course, involving rigorous selection and assessment, concluded in September 1978.

November 1979: Iran Hostage Crisis Begins

In November 1979, the Iran hostage crisis began, with American diplomats and citizens being taken captive in Tehran. Delta Force was tasked with planning a rescue operation.

1979: Delta Force Achieves Full Mission Capability

In 1979, Delta Force was declared fully mission capable, just before the Iran hostage crisis began.

1980: Operation Eagle Claw

Operation Eagle Claw, the mission to rescue the hostages in Iran, took place in 1980 but was aborted due to various issues, including helicopter failures and logistical problems.

December 1989: Operation Just Cause

Delta Force participated in Operation Just Cause in Panama in December 1989, including the Modelo Prison hostage rescue and the capture of Manuel Noriega. They received the Valorous Unit Award for their actions.

1989: Activation of C and E Squadrons

Around 1989, Delta Force activated C Squadron (assault) and E Squadron (Aviation Technology Office).

1990: Activation of C Squadron

Around 1990, C Squadron within Delta Force was activated.

October 2001: Start of Operations in Afghanistan

Delta Force commenced operations in Afghanistan in October 2001 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

2001: Delta Force Structure and Size

By 2001, Delta Force had grown to approximately 1,000 soldiers, including operators and support personnel, mirroring the structure of the British 22 SAS Regiment.

March 2002: End of Operations in Afghanistan

Delta Force's operations in Afghanistan concluded in March 2002 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

March 2003: Start of Operations in Iraq

Delta Force commenced operations in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003.

December 2003: End of Operations in Iraq

Delta Force's operations in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom ended in December 2003.

2005: Activation of D Squadron and Combat Support Squadron

Around 2005, Delta Force activated D Squadron (assault) and the Combat Support Squadron.

June 2006: Congressional Testimony on Delta Force Recruitment

In June 2006, General Wayne Downing testified that a significant portion of Delta Force recruits came from the Army Rangers.

2006: Activation of D Squadron

Around 2006, D Squadron within Delta Force was activated.

2010: Cover Name for Delta Force

In 2010, there were reports about a potential new cover name for Delta Force (Army Compartmented Elements), although later information suggested it was a separate unit.

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

In October 2019, Delta Force operators, along with the 75th Ranger Regiment, conducted a raid on the compound of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, resulting in his death.