DRESS UP TO PLAY
DELTA DETACHMENT MOGADISHU
SOMALIA 1993

The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (SFOD-D), known as Delta or Delta Force, is an elite unit of the Special Operations Command Group of the US Army. The unit was created in 1977 by Colonel Charles Beckwith, after training and serving in the SAS for a long period of time.

Delta Force is mainly trained for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency tasks, and is prepared to take on a wide range of missions which include, but are not limited to, hostage rescue, systematic raids and elimination of secret enemy forces.

Most recruits come from US Army Special Forces and the 75th Ranger Regiment. In order to be part of this elite unit, applicants must be male, have at least the rank of sergeant, have served for at least four and a half years, be 22 years or older and have passed the demanding entrance tests.

OPERATIONS IN SOMALIA

In 1992 the UN created UNOSOM I, United Nations Operations in Somalia I, whose objective was to provide humanitarian assistance to people trapped by the civil war and famine in Somalia. 

Troops of UNITAF, an alliance of countries within the UN, were responsible for defending convoys of food and medicine which became the target for militias of local leader Mohamed Farrah Aidid. 

In December 1992, the president of the United States, George H. W. Bush, in accordance with resolution 794, launched Operation Restore Hope and sent troops in order to put an end to the conflict and lay down the foundations for a viable state. 

Operation Gothic Serpent was carried out in this framework, executed by Delta and supported by the Rangers, whose mission was focused on stopping the main advisers of warlord M. F. Aidid. 

During the attack, two Black Hawk helicopters belonging to the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) and known as Night Stalkers, were shot down by militias with RPGs, and the rescue convoy was constantly attacked and harassed. 

Teams made up of Ranger and Delta personnel were sent to recover the crew of the helicopters shot down, taking part in intense combat with Somali militias, which gave rise to what is commonly known as the Battle of Mogadishu.

EQUIPMENT

Uniform

DCU (3-colour Desert Combat Uniform) uniform, Body Armour PT-1 vest, and on top, the DOAV (Delta Operator Assault Vest) or OMEGA equipment carrier vest, and some wore chest rigs or harnesses. Protec helmet, on which green or grey DUCT TAPE tended to be used to stick Bolle Tactical x500 blizzard goggles or similar models such as Oakley L Frame, Scott etc., as well as SWD (Sand, Wind and Desert) G.I. goggles. Black knee guards and Adidas GSG9 or Magnum Classic boots.

Black or green BDU trouser belt, to which a thigh holster for a Blackhawk OMEGA pistol or Safariland 3004 was connected with a single strip attached to the thigh. Green or black LC2 outer belt to which different pouches were attached, depending on what was needed or what the operator had closest at hand. M67 magazine carriers, first aid kit/compass, which could be used to carry a grenade, M67 nylon or M56 canvas buttpack, and canteens.

Communications

Motorola MX300R (Saber, SaberII, etc.) with the OTTO Motorola Single Headset, or the Selex Tasc I headset and PTT Nexus for Motorola could be used, some operators used the TEA LASH I throat microphone.

Armament  

They used the M4 727, with the 733 Commando and even the XM 177 E2 being compatible for recreation, to which a base could be connected for the handle, an Aimpoint 3000 visor and Surefire torch in the barrel with an expander for the handguard button. As it is difficult to find the 3000 model, this can be replaced with the M2 model. The pistol is the classic Government Colt 1911 and they also carried M67 fragmentation grenades.

Other accessories 

Other accessories are the Nomex G.I. Pilot Flight gloves, IR SDU 5 or MS 2000 strobe lights.

The equipment of the Delta operators was very specific and even personal, and there were differences between the various operators. There are also clear differences between the real operation equipment and that seen in the film “Black Hawk Down”, even though it looks very similar.

KITLIST