Master Sergeant (MSG) Kevin Holland holds a unique distinction in the world of U.S. special operations—he is the only publicly known individual to have served in both of America’s premier counter-terrorism units: SEAL Team 6 (DEVGRU) and Delta Force (1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, or 1st SFOD-D). His rare career trajectory is a testament to his exceptional skill, determination, and warrior ethos.
Early Life and Naval Career
Born and raised in the foothills of North Carolina, Kevin Holland was an all-American athlete, playing football and baseball through high school. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy through the delayed entry program, beginning his military career in 1988.
Following boot camp and Navy Photographer School, Holland volunteered for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and arrived in Coronado, California, in November 1988. His BUD/S class began with 80 students—only 8 would graduate in July 1989. Holland was among them and was assigned to SEAL Team 8 in Little Creek, Virginia, after completing Army Airborne School at Fort Benning.
SEAL Team 8 and Selection to DEVGRU
In 1990, during Operation Desert Storm, Holland deployed to Northern Iraq, performing deep reconnaissance and sniper missions. For his efforts, he earned the Navy Achievement Medal and was selected for Naval Special Warfare Sniper School, graduating as the honor graduate and top shooter.
By 1992, Kevin Holland’s performance earned him a screening for the elite Naval Special Warfare Development Group—commonly known as SEAL Team 6 or DEVGRU. This top-tier unit recruits only the best of the SEAL community. That summer, Holland transferred to DEVGRU, where he served until leaving the Navy in 1995.
Civilian Life and the Call to Return
Between 1995 and 2001, Holland worked alongside his father in the private sector. But everything changed on September 11, 2001. Moved by the terrorist attacks, Holland contacted his former command to offer his services. A former teammate from the U.S. Army’s special operations community, who had served in Somalia in 1993, suggested he consider Delta Force.
Kevin Holland took the advice seriously. He tried out for Delta, joining a selection class of 116 candidates—only 16 passed. By 2002, he was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
From Green Beret to Delta Force
After completing the grueling 8-month Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) in 2005, Holland earned his Green Beret and the coveted Special Forces Tab. From there, he joined 1st SFOD-D—Delta Force—as an assaulter. Over the course of his career, he deployed more than 20 times to the Middle East and participated in over 2,000 combat missions.
In 2004, Holland sustained his first major injury when an IED detonated behind his vehicle, killing a teammate and injuring him with shrapnel. Yet, he continued to serve at the highest level of special operations.
Shot in Combat – March 2011
In March 2011, Kevin Holland was wounded during a nighttime raid. His team was targeting foreign fighters who had taken over a local villager’s house. After a firefight broke out, Holland pursued a fleeing insurgent into a palm grove.
As he rounded a corner, an enemy fighter unleashed a burst of PKM machine gun fire from just 20 yards away. A round struck Holland in the chest just above his armor plate, instantly paralyzing his left arm. Another bullet destroyed his radio, while others hit his gear.
He dove into a nearby irrigation ditch as rounds continued to slam into his backpack. When the firing stopped, Holland raised his rifle from the ditch and returned fire. The insurgent charged but was shot in the foot and captured shortly after.
Despite his injuries, Holland refused to give up. After regrouping with his team, he walked to the helicopter for evacuation and began a long road to recovery.
Retirement and Legacy
MSG Kevin Holland officially retired in 2013 after a distinguished career across two of the most elite units in U.S. military history. Doctors told him his chest wound was rare—few survive such trauma—so his recovery was uncharted territory.
Holland earned more than 30 awards throughout his service, including:
- Seven Bronze Star Medals, two with valor
- Two Purple Hearts
- Numerous campaign and service medals
His story is one of grit, resilience, and quiet professionalism—a testament to the warriors who operate in the shadows.
Thank you for your service brother and welcome home.
Thank you for sharing your testimony as well as our country. May GOD continue to Bless you and your family.
“Brotherhood”
Back then I was so young. 9/11, left Bragg to train in Eastern Europe and a short rest in Germany. Assigned to 3rdID, Kuwait, Jan 03′, “Shock & Awe” Iraq, Mar 03′. Its a blur trying to remember the what, the where etc…I remember shortwave radios we’re not aware until we had already made it to the outside of Baghdad. Small arms were minimal until we hit Ramadi, BIAP and the Air base “Al Balad”. First experience of little tripod to launch mortars were in the beds of these little Toyoyta trucks. Within two months daily mortar attacks (still showering next teammates in between light Humvees. Sandbags lining the floors. Strapped across the hood against windshield, plywood inside door (vinyl doesn’t do much against rounds or shrapnel).
Contractors making 4-6 times more than I was making (E5/4+ yrs) gave us purpose. Protect the semi’s. No overwatch, QRF, Baghdad to Mosul or Fallujah. Sunni Triangle, or part of it?
Thank God for Stop-loss. 5 1/2 yrs still over there.
If you’re venting over good & evil then you have many chapters left to read mate! CNN, Fox News is gospel and that’s we watch it every Sunday morning in our class A’s!!
Honorably Discharged
Service Connected “Disabled”
3-5 months vacation to vurn and that’s when I get a peak behind the curtain.
Thanks Kevin, for all you have done in service for our great nation.
Thanks also to his parents who obviously were paramount in molding and shaping this great and honorable man.
“Don’t mourn men such as this when they die,be gratefull that men like this lived” -General George S Patton The man did more then his share for his country.
Kevin, I want to thank you for your testimony. I’m Retired Army and after work tonite I sat and heard your testimony. I didn’t pray alot either but tonight I prayed to the good Lord and thankful for all I have and for my family. I always remember the times I seen you special operators in Iraq and Kuwait and I have always held your teams service with the highest regard. God speed brother.
to charles smith and his remarks,
MR. SMITH YOUR A F’N COWARD
my best man was a former 160th SOAR CW4 deployed 12 times and conducted several hundred missions, as honorable and brave and was a true warrior and hero and you are a true coward Smith
What a machine able to do something at a very high level few can ever do ,then leave in good terms .Sign up with a different branch then operate again at the highest level again .
God bless Kevin Holland. Just listened to his story on Jack Carr’s podcast. A humble, elite American badass who has led an extraordinary life. Thank you for a lifetime of sacrifices sir.
Kevin Holland is a star that never goes out. God bless him and make more Kevin Hollands.