Army Delta Force co-creator remembered

He was a qualified U.S. Army Ranger, Special Forces officer and Master Parachutist. Henry has his name engraved on the Special Operations Legacy Wall at the Special Operations Command Center at MacDill AFB. His decorations include the Legion of Merit (with cluster), Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Honor Medal and several campaign service medals.

TALOS: Special Operations Powered Armor, or Just Another Boondoggle?

The Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) is an attempt to deliver to the individual Special Operations soldier a powered suit which would essentially give him super-human strength, speed, render him bullet and blast proof, and include a suite of sensory equipment (such as thermals, night vision, ect) which would enhance his ability to identify, […]

MCSOCOM Detachment One Part 8: Shifting Missions

On 28 May, 2004, Commander Wilson received the order to cease direct action missions and focus on a new, protective mission.  NSW Squadron One, to include Detachment One, was tasked to provide personal security detachments for the interim Iraqi government.  Task Unit Raider was given the task of protecting Vice President Rowsch Shaways, one of […]

MCSOCOM Detachment One Part 7: Hunting

“X” was not the only target that the MCSOCOM Detachment One Marines took down in May.  On May 17th (though it had been discussed for several days prior), Objective “Rambler” went on the target board. The information for Objective Rambler came from 2nd Bn, 5th Special Forces Group.  The target was actually three individuals, an […]

MCSOCOM Detachment One, Part 6: “X”

Following the “Rachel” and “Racket” operations, Detachment One was set to hunt for an HVT known only as “X” (the actual identity of “X” still hasn’t been unclassified).  “X” was believed to be a high-level insurgent facilitator; one of his associates had been captured in May, putting him on the operational radar.  He showed signs […]

MCSOCOM Detachment One, Part 5: Boots on the Ground

The first Det One Marines landed in Baghdad on April 6, 2004.  Fallujah had flared up only a short time before, with the killing and mutilation of the Blackwater contractors, and the Shi’a Sadrist rebellion was driving up from the south.  There was plenty of work to be done. However, it wasn’t nearly as simple […]

Special Forces

Explore the intricate structure, diverse missions, and rich history of the US Army Special Forces, an elite military unit uniquely organized to counter insurgencies and unconventional threats.