1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (SFOD-D)

The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (SFOD-D), commonly known as Delta Force, was established in 1977 to address the growing threat of international terrorism. Modeled after the British SAS, Delta Force specializes in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action missions. The unit gained early prominence during Operation Eagle Claw, the failed 1980 attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran, and has since participated in numerous high-profile operations, including the capture of Saddam Hussein and the elimination of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Delta Force remains one of the U.S. military’s most secretive and elite special operations units.