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.
24 Comments
His life almost reads like a film script. I doubt the nation will ever see the likes of Kevin Holland again.
I had the opportunity to be with Kevin Holland for 3 days this past week. The most amazing individual I have ever had the honor to meet. Kevin is a man of God and it is obvious, his faith and love for people are the motivating factors in this man’s life. There are many operators serving our great country, they deserve our respect and prayers. Kevin Holland has risen to the top of this great team of warriors, I am honored and proud to call him friend, but more importantly, a brother in Christ.
Damn Legend, This man is what America is about I would love to have him on my podcast.
The Allen Steele Show it’s on You tube.
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what a soldier, in two ways, a soldier for Christ, and a soldier in the US Armed Forces! What an honor and a legend of a man. God bless brother. I hope I get to meet you sometime in my life. So let me get this straight…he was a Seal, a Delta Force operator, and a Green beret? Oh wow! The only other thing for him to do was be a Ranger but his son is one so I would count that…ha..ha..ha..
Congrats and God bless you, your ministry and your life. MSG Holland, thank you for all that you have done for our country. Sincerely Sgt. Henry Vazquez, Desert Shield/Desert Storm Army Veteran.