By SOFREP — George E. Hand Becoming a Delta Force operator is an exclusive and demanding process. Civilians cannot directly apply for the Unit. Instead, individuals must first enlist in the Army and meet specific requirements before even being considered.
These requirements include:
- Rank: E-4 through E-8 (enlisted) or O-3 through O-4 (officer)
- Age: 21 years old
- Airborne qualification or willingness to volunteer for training
- Score at least 110 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
- Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance
- No record of disciplinary action
- At least 2.5 years remaining in military service
While many Delta Force operators come from the Special Forces or the 75th Ranger Regiment, membership in this unit is not a prerequisite for applying.
Additionally, depending on their contract obligations and approvals, special operations members from other branches may be eligible to apply for Delta Force selection.
Delta Force Selection and Training: A Crucible of Excellence
Delta Force’s entire operation, including the training pipeline, is shrouded in secrecy. Eric Haney’s book Inside Delta Force provides valuable insight into Delta Force operator’s training and selection process.
Delta Force selection is known for its arduous land navigation and rucking evolutions. Only the most physically and mentally fit individuals with exceptional skills and unwavering determination can make it through.
The selection and training pipeline is designed to push candidates to their absolute limits and identify those who possess the unique qualities required for success in this elite unit.
Selection
The selection process is held twice yearly (late March to late April and late September to late October) at Camp Dawson, West Virginia; it is notoriously grueling, lasts for four weeks and consists of several phases:
- Physical Fitness: Candidates undergo a series of rigorous physical tests, including endurance runs, obstacle courses, and swimming while carrying heavy loads.
- Land Navigation: Mental toughness and navigational skills are tested through challenging land navigation exercises in diverse terrains and under various conditions. One of the most demanding tests involves an 18-mile, all-night land navigation course with a 40-pound ruck. As the candidates progress through selection, the weight of the rucks increases while the timeline to complete the land navigation courses decreases.
- Combat Skills: Candidates demonstrate their proficiency in weapons handling, close-quarters combat, and tactical maneuvers.
- Psychological Evaluation: Mental resilience and the ability to perform under extreme pressure are assessed through rigorous psychological evaluations.
Only a small percentage of candidates make it through this demanding selection process. Those who succeed move on to the next stage.
Operators Training Course
Operators Training Course (OTC), a grueling six-month crucible course, further refines the skills of the selected candidates and transforms them into Delta Force operators. It’s a relentless test of physical and mental fortitude, pushing candidates to their absolute limits and refining their skills to the highest degree.
The OTC is divided into six distinct training blocks, each with a specific focus:
1 | Marksmanship: This block emphasizes precision shooting with various firearms under diverse conditions. Operators learn advanced marksmanship techniques, weapon systems, and engagement tactics for close-quarters and long-range scenarios.
2 | Demolition and Breaching: This block focuses on the safe and effective use of explosives and breaching techniques. Operators learn to utilize explosives for door breaching, obstacle clearance, and other tactical applications.
3 | Combined Skills: This block integrates the previously learned skills into realistic scenarios. Operators participate in complex exercises that combine marksmanship, demolition, close-quarters combat, and tactical movement in simulated hostage rescue, direct action, and other operational settings.
4 | Tradecraft: This block delves into the world of intelligence gathering and analysis. Operators learn advanced techniques in surveillance, counterintelligence, and clandestine operations, preparing them to gather and interpret critical information for mission planning and execution.
5 | Executive Protection: This block focuses on the specialized skills required for protecting high-value individuals in dangerous environments. Operators learn advanced close protection tactics, threat assessment, and emergency response procedures.
6 | Culmination Exercise: This final block serves as a comprehensive assessment of the operators’ skills and abilities. It involves a complex, multi-day exercise that simulates a real-world mission, testing their teamwork, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure.
Throughout the OTC, the emphasis remains on teamwork, resilience, and the ability to operate effectively in high-stress situations. The training environment pushes individuals to their physical and mental limits, fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust within the team.
Upon successful completion of the OTC, the newly minted Delta Force operators are assigned to one of the unit’s active squadrons, ready to contribute their skills and expertise to the most critical and sensitive missions around the globe.
Continuous Training
Even after completing the OTC, Delta Force operators always continue learning. They continuously train throughout their careers to maintain their peak physical and mental condition, refine their skills, and stay current with evolving tactics and technologies.
The Delta Force selection and training process is a grueling and transformative experience. It weeds out the weak and identifies only the most exceptional individuals who possess the physical, mental, and psychological attributes necessary to become part of this elite unit.
This story was originally published in SOFREP
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Is a Master Sergeant US Army (ret) from the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, The Delta Force. Post military I worked for 16 years as a subcontract to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on the nation’s nuclear test site north of Las Vegas Nevada. Developed hunt methodology for Albuquerque-based Counter Human Traffic organization DeliverFund llc as an Intelligence Analyst and Network Disruption Team Leader in the fight against human trafficking. I’m a master cabinet-grade woodworker and master photographer. I have high military ratings in six foreign languages.
