Delta Force. DEVGRU. Two tier-one special operations units. What are their similarities, their differences? Let’s take a dive into all there is to know about Delta Force and DEVGRU.
Delta Force (CAG)
Delta Force is also known as CAG, which stands for Combat Applications Group, and is officially referred to as First Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta. It is an elite tier-one special operations force of the United States Army.
DEVGRU (SEAL Team Six)
DEVGRU stands for Development Group, and it is also known as SEAL Team Six. Like Delta Force, it is an elite tier-one special operations force, but is a component of the United States Navy.
Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)
Both of these entities fall under JSOC, which stands for Joint Special Operations Command. Headquartered in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, JSOC is a component command of U.S. SOCOM, which stands for United States Special Operations Command. JSOC is charged to study special operations requirements and techniques, ensure interoperability and equipment standardization, plan and conduct special operations exercises and training, and develop joint special operations tactics.
What Does It Mean to Be Tier-One?
Joint Special Operations Task Force JP-05.1 defines a special mission unit as a generic term to represent a group of operations and support personnel from designated organizations that is task organized to perform highly classified activities.
Tiers of Special Mission Units (SMUs)
There are three different tiers of SMUs in the United States military: tiers one, two, and three.
Tier Three SMUs (White Elements)
- US Army’s 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions
- Marine Corps Recon battalions
- Navy Riverines
- Air Force 142nd Fighter Wing
Tier Two SMUs (Gray Elements)
- Navy SEALs
- Navy SWCCs
- Marine Raiders
- Air Force Combat Controllers (CCTs)
- PJs
- Army Rangers
- Army Special Forces
- Night Stalkers
Tier One SMUs (Black Elements)
- DEVGRU
- Delta Force
- Air Force’s 24th Special Tactics Squadron
- US Army’s Intelligence Support Activity
- Regimental Reconnaissance Company
Tiers are defined by their funding, training, capabilities, and prestige. As you can see, the lower the tier, the less special they are. Tier one is just the best of the best, whereas tier three is more conventional.
History of Delta Force and DEVGRU
Delta Force History
Delta Force was founded in 1977 by Colonel Charles Beckwith. After numerous well-publicized terrorist incidents in the 1970s, a change was needed. These incidents led the US government to develop a full-time counter-terrorism unit, and Colonel Beckwith was tapped to do so within 24 months.
The initial members of the unit were screened from volunteers and put through a specialized selection process in early 1978, involving a series of land navigation problems in mountainous terrain while carrying increasing weight. With Beckwith serving some time with the British Special Air Service (SAS), the structure of Delta Force was inspired by them.
Notable Delta Force Missions
- Operation Red Dawn – Locating and capturing Saddam Hussein
- Operation Black Swan – Capture of Sinaloa Cartel leader El Chapo
Recommended Books on Delta Force
- Inside Delta Force by Eric Haney
- Relentless Strike by Sean Naylor
- Delta Force by Charles Beckwith
DEVGRU History
DEVGRU, or at the time, SEAL Team Six, was formed in 1980 by Commander Richard Marcinko. After the failure of Operation Eagle Claw, the Navy asked Marcinko to form their own elite unit capable of responding to extreme threats.
It was referred to as SEAL Team Six because at the time, there were only two SEAL Teams: SEAL Team One and SEAL Team Two. Marcinko wanted to confuse the Soviets by having them think that there were six SEAL teams.
Notable DEVGRU Missions
- Operation Neptune’s Spear – Raid resulting in the death of Osama bin Laden
- Maersk Alabama Hijacking and Rescue – Rescuing Captain Richard Phillips and his crew from Somali pirates
Recommended Books on DEVGRU
- Rogue Warrior by Richard Marcinko
- Inside SEAL Team Six by Don Mann
Structure and Makeup of Delta Force and DEVGRU
Delta Force Structure
Delta Force mainly recruits from the Army, even though every single branch, including the Coast Guard, can join. A majority of those recruited are either Special Forces or Rangers. Support billets do exist, though, so it’s not just exclusively SAF operators that they seek.
Squadrons of Delta Force
- Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta Squadrons – Assault squadrons
- Echo Squadron – Aviation squadron
- Gulf Squadron – Intelligence gathering squadron
- Hotel Squadron – Nuclear disposal squadron
- Combat Support Squadron
DEVGRU Structure
DEVGRU mostly recruits from the Navy, primarily from SEAL teams. However, they also take SWCCs, EOD technicians, SARCs, and fleet rates for support.
Squadrons of DEVGRU
- Gold Squadron – “Knights” or “Crusaders”
- Red Squadron – “Red Men”
- Blue Squadron – “Pirates”
- Silver Squadron – Incorporates elements of the other assault squadrons
- Gray Squadron – Vehicle drivers and divers
- Black Squadron – Former sniper unit, now focused on reconnaissance, surveillance, and espionage
Selection Process for Delta Force and DEVGRU
Delta Force Selection
Delta Force’s assessment and selection course is one month long, held twice a year in the Appalachians. Candidates undergo physical, mental, and psychological tests, with standards completely unknown to those being tested.
Post-Selection Training: OTC (Operator Training Course)
Selected candidates move on to OTC, where they learn:
- Marksmanship
- Advanced demolition
- Executive protection
- Tradecraft
- Hostage rescue
- Tactical driving
- Lock picking
- Espionage techniques
DEVGRU Selection (Green Team)
DEVGRU’s selection process, called Green Team, lasts six months and has an attrition rate of 50%. Candidates are evaluated on various skills and missions.
Enablers also go through an assessment and selection process, but details are highly classified.
Conclusion
We went over their similarities, differences, capabilities, history, and selection processes. If you want to learn more, go join a tier two SMU and prove yourself so you can eventually apply to one of them.
Keep in mind that information about these units is highly classified, and there’s most likely a lot about these units that no one will ever know. If you enjoyed this article and learned something from it.