How to Get into Delta Force (Eligibility, Selection, & More)

The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (SFOD-D), commonly referred to as "Delta Force," is one of the most elite counter-terrorism units in the world. They routinely conduct broad-spectrum counter-terrorism operations around the globe at a moment's notice, against any enemy, in every conceivable environment. Keep reading to learn the minimum eligibility requirements for a Delta Force member, the step-by-step process to joining Delta Force, including training for Special Forces, passing Delta Force's intense selection process, how long it takes to join, and more.

How do you join Delta Force?

Enlist in the Army and complete basic training.
Attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT).
Volunteer for airborne training.
Become a member of Special Forces.
Maintain an outstanding performance and a clean record for 5-10 years.
Pass the Delta Force selection process.

Section 1 of 6:

Delta Force Minimum Eligibility Requirements

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You must be enlisted in the Army and at least 21 years old. Most of the soldiers that Delta Force recruits are already members of the Green Berets (AKA the Special Forces Group) or the 75th Ranger Regiment. However, you don't technically have to be in Special Forces to qualify. Below are the basic selection requirements that are typically posted in Fort Bragg and other military installations:^{[1]
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- Must be 21 years old or older.
- Ranked E4-E8 in the Army.
- Received a high score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
- Have at least 2 ½ years of service remaining at the time you apply.
- Be airborne qualified or have volunteered for airborne training.
- Be eligible for "Secret" security clearance.
- Never received military discipline or been court-martialed.

Section 2 of 6:

How to Join Delta Force

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1
Enlist in the Army and undergo basic training. Your first step in becoming a Delta Force operative is to enlist in the Army as a regular soldier and work steadily to rise through the ranks. After you pass the ASVAB test and your physical exam, you can choose a career field, sign the enlistment contract, and prepare for basic training. Here are the requirements for enlistment in the US Army:^{[2]
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- Be between 17 and 34 years old
- Be medically and physically fit
- Be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident with a Green Card
- Be a high school graduate or have a GED
- Earn the minimum score on the ASVAB (31 points)^{[3]
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- "Recognize that serving in the military typically means adapting a new mindset of obedience and camaraderie," says marriage and family therapist Elvina Lui, MFT. "Autonomous thought and action is sacrificed for better teamwork," which helps foster "the brother-like bond that people tend to form with their team."^{[4]
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Attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT). AIT gives you the fundamental skills to transition from a civilian to a specialized soldier. If you want to end up in Delta Force, go into Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) expecting to develop your proficiency in a variety of field tasks, including:^{[5]
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- Weapon and vehicle operation and maintenance
- Land reconnaissance
- Map reading and navigation
- Minefield safety
- Communications equipment operation
- Preparing fighting positions
- Constructing barriers
Troopers who eventually want to join Delta Force must volunteer for and complete airborne training. The course consists of 4 weeks of jump training, starting on the ground and eventually completing 5 jumps at an altitude of 1,250 feet.^{[6]
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Become a member of Special Forces. To start down the Special Forces path, attend a Special Operations Preparation Course (SOPC). This six-week course typically leads up to the Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) program, which you must pass to be admitted to Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) and continue rising in the ranks.^{[7]
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- The SFAS program assesses and selects soldiers for attendance at the SFQC. It gives Special Forces an opportunity to assess each soldier's capabilities by testing their physical, emotional, and mental stamina.
- Once you pass the SFAS, you'll move on to the SFQC (learn how to undergo SFQC training below). The SFQC teaches and develops the skills necessary for Special Forces. The enlisted applicant's SFQC training will be scheduled upon successful completion of SFAS.
- After you complete the SFQC, you're officially a Special Forces member.
Pass the Delta Force selection process. Delta Force may reach out to you directly, or you may respond to recruitment notices at the military installation where you're stationed. According to some sources, the Delta Force branch at Fort Bragg selects soldiers and officers for possible recruitment in spring and fall every year. Other than rumors, though, there are no publicized selection times. While you wait for the opportunity to join Delta Force, focus on improving your skills and standing out.^{[8]
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Section 3 of 6:

Delta Force Selection Process

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Selection is a series of grueling physical and psychological tests. Delta Force members are the best of Special Forces, so they have to be in the best physical and mental health possible. Passing selection will prove to your commanding officer that you have what it takes. Below is an overview of what to expect while you're being evaluated for Delta Force:^{[9]
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- A physical endurance test that includes push-ups, sit-ups, inverted crawls, a 100-meter swim (while fully dressed), and a 2-mile run.
- Land navigation courses, including:
  - An 18-mile, all-night course while carrying a 40 lb rucksack
  - A 40-mile course over rough terrain while carrying a 45 lb rucksack.
- Psychological exams and questionnaires administered by psychologists and the Delta Force commanding officer.

Section 4 of 6:

How long does it take to join Delta Force?

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There's no set timeline for joining Delta Force, since you have to be invited to sign up.^{[10]
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Section 5 of 6:

How to Train for Special Forces

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During this 6-week period, soldiers are trained on fundamental skills necessary for Special Forces work. Training covers land navigation and physical fitness.^{[11]
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This phase lasts 24 days and tests both your physical and mental stamina. By the end, you'll know if you have what the Special Forces is looking for in an elite soldier. When preparing for the assessment, be ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way to prove your worthiness.^{[12]
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This 53-week course consists of six phases, starting with orientation and ending with graduation. Throughout the course, you'll become skilled in small-unit tactics, unconventional warfare, and multiple languages and cultures. By the end, you'll finally be a full-fledged Special Forces soldier.^{[13]
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Section 6 of 6:

How to Stand Out to Delta Force

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Make it clear that you want to join Delta Force. The military respects ambition and rewards skill and dedication. If you want to join Delta Force, make it clear to your recruiter, commanding officers, and other ranking officials. This is the best way to be recruited to train and possibly qualify for this elite unit. If you leave your desire a secret, it's unlikely you'll be tasked with joining up.
- Get to know your commanding officers (COs) and other ranking officers well. There’s a political and networking element to being promoted in the military, just like in any other job.
2
Demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to any situation. Your job during the selection phase is to show your potential and trainability under stress. Focus on giving every task that you are faced with 100% effort and never, ever quit. You're not expected to be a super-soldier right away, but you are expected to be considerably above average, commit to improving your skills, and be teachable.^{[14]
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- Remember, once you're admitted, you'll receive extensive training and be put to the test mentally and physically. If anyone asks if you're ready, your only answer should be "Yes, sir."
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Get in peak physical condition. Delta Force soldiers need to be extremely fit. Even if you haven't enlisted as an infantry soldier yet, it's a good idea to start getting into your peak physical condition, focusing specifically on building endurance and cardiovascular strength.
- Practice walking for very long distances (30 mi or more) with a weighted (60 lbs) rucksack. Try for 15-minute miles, though you will be expected to travel at a much faster pace during Selection.
- To complement your endurance training, certified personal trainer Pete Cerqua advises doing exercises like squats and planks, which are excellent for increasing your lower-body strength and stability. These qualities are critical for handling the physical demands of rucksack marching.^{[15]
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  - Perform squats using body weight, dumbbells, or a barbell, progressively increasing resistance to build strength.
  - Start with a 30-second plank and gradually increase the duration to track your progress.
Knowing how to navigate on land is key to passing the Delta Force selection course. Learn how to use a compass and read a map well, and practice your skills as often as possible.

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How do I join Delta Force if I'm a citizen in of country?

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To join Delta Force you must also be a citizen in the United States and be enlisted in the U.S. Army.

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How long is the training for Delta Force?

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7 to 8 months to be exact, including selection and the operator qualification courses.

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What specifically should I do to help me get to Delta?

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Most Delta come from the Special Forces (Green Beret) so get into Special Forces. Most Special Forces come from Rangers or have at least gone through Ranger school. Other important qualities include: being very physically fit, being "trainable" - i.e listening carefully and asking smart questions, learning to think outside the box/on your feet. It's important to be disciplined but not too regimented in your thinking. Find ways to make yourself stand out, maybe you were a great Eagle Scout, track star, etc.

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Perform well and stay out of trouble, as adverse actions on your record can exclude you from consideration.

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Be advised that being in Delta Force is dangerous and difficult. Delta Force conducts a wide variety of Direct Action and covert operations around the globe that deal with protecting American interests. This means that, as a Delta Operator, you will be conducting high-risk training and missions. The chance of injury or death during training alone is greater than that of conventional forces.

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