Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (SFOD A)

The Special Forces Operational Detachments Alpha (ODA), also known as an SFOD-A or an 'A-Team', is the primary fighting force of the Green Berets.

ODA - Composition

ODA are made up of 12 men, each with a separate Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Each ODA member is cross-trained in other specialties.

A typical 12-man ODA comprises:

• 1 x Detachment Commander (18A)
  (Captain)
  The Commander is the team leader and is responsible for outfitting his ODA, organizing missions and briefing the unit on mission objectives.
  
  
• 1 x Assistant Detachment Commander (180A)
  (Warrant Officer 1 or Chief Warrant Officer 2)
  The Assistant Detachment Commander assists the ODA's Commander, ready to take over command if needed. If the ODA splits into two teams, as happened in Gulf War I, then the 180A commands the second team.
  
  
• 1 x Operations Sergeant (18Z)
  (Master Sergeant)
  The Operations Sergeant is responsible for the overall organization, functionality and training of an SF team. He makes sure the team is outfitted correctly and supports the ODA commander (18A).
  
  
• 1 x Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant (18F)
  (Sergeant First Class)
  This team member ensures that the team has all the equipment and supplies needed for the mission. He also gathers and analyzes mission-critical intelligence.
  
  
• 2 x Weapons Sergeants (18B)
  (Sergeant First Class / Sergeant)
  Weapons Sergeants are experts in a wide range of U.S. and foreign weapons systems, from pistols and to light artillery and anti-aircraft guns/
  
  

A Special Forces Communications Sergeant operating a vehicle-mounted radio
• 2 x Communications Sergeants (18E)
  (Sergeant First Class / Sergeant)
  SF Communications Sergeants are proficient in the gamut of radio communications equipment and techniques used in the field, everything from morse code to encrypted satellite transmissions and IT technology.
  
  
• 2 x Medical Sergeants (18D)
  (Sergeant First Class / Sergeant)
  Special Forces Medics are first-class battlefield trauma medical technicians as well as being proficient in more general medical care. The ability of SF medics to treat the medical problems of local populations is a valuable component of counter insurgency 'hearts and minds' operations.
  
  
• 2 x Engineering Sergeants (18C)
  (Sergeant First Class / Sergeant)
  The Engineering Sergeants are the guys you go to when you want something built or destroyed. They are experts in explosive demolitions and can blow bridges, buildings and other structures to kingdom come. SF Engineers are also proficient in military and civil construction and can carry out a range of projects from fortifications to civil engineering tasks such as digging wells or building a schoolhouse.
  

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