This Intelligence Support Activity All-Inclusive Self-Assessment enables You to be that person. INSCOM's functional brigades and groups may provide general support, general support reinforcing, or direct sup-port to theaters through intelligence reach, or they may be (Source) These collectively will compose some of the roles within a primary battalion of the ISA. Secret Warriors: Inside the Covert Military Operations of the Reagan Era by Steven Emerson He would be given instructions and equipment along the way, and was required to perform certain assignments, for example, setting up a SATCOM system. That close-holding of his cards was typical of him. PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States, P.O. The rescue force was forced to launch with sketchy data forcing a worst-case force list. The unit's history, the politics that have shaped it and the operations it has carried out are recounted in great and fascinating detail. During the 1990's the unit was known as Capacity Gear. (Source). So there they were sitting in our Tactical Operations Center in Bosnia waiting to be integrated into our PIFWC hunting operations. The Pentagon frequently disavows knowledge regarding their activities or even their existence, and they've been given different names multiple times to misdirect any probes into their identity or activities. However, due to the nature of ISAs mission, its operators are rarely likely to carry weapons into the field. As a result, ISA was almost disbanded, but Army officials succeeded in ensuring its survival, albeit on a much tighter leash. FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- Leaders from the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) G-6/Ground Intelligence Support Activity (GISA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACoE) Honolulu . While the nerdiest Green Berets and special operators comprise the bulk of ISA, there are also non-traditional operatives who have not passed the selection course. var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); Direct action differs from conventional offensive actions in the level of physical and political risk, operational techniques, and the degree of discriminate and precise use of force to achieve specific objectives."[1]. The vast majority of their operations are clouded not just in shadow, but in complete darkness. This time, the manhunt for Escobar was being led by Col. Hugo Martinez, who did not intend to let Escobar get away, and who operated with ruthless efficiency, aided by Centra Spike's intelligence. But if the copyright owners want to get in touch to have them immediately removed from this site then please contact our webmaster. The U.S. Army's Intelligence Support Activity is arguably the most secretive unit out of the five tier one units in the United States Military. On December 2, 1993, with help from Centra Spike and a mobile Colombian surveillance team, Escobar's hideout was pinpointed, and Colombian police moved in. Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Once admitted, candidates must pass the operations training course, which teaches infiltration techniques, advanced air operations, offensive and off-road driving, personal defensive measures and communications. Support Veteran Journalism . Little is known about the organization or its activities, but it is clear that they serve as a. Sadly, the team's evaluation did not serve to upgrade American security standards, and a truck bomb exploded from within 40 feet of the embassy entrance later that year. Nonetheless, it is known that these operators have shown their indispensable worth to both the intelligence and SOF communities in matters of national security, supporting Delta and SEAL Team Six operations by hitting the ground first to prep the environment: gathering actionable intelligence, pathfinding, and performing a broad range of operational support. Since incorporating under JSOC in 2003, Gray Fox has expanded into direct action and hostage rescue, showing that they may be the most diversely equipped, trained and adaptable Special Missions Unit in the SOF community. ISA has gone by many names over the years but its current one is not public knowledge. US Army intelligence defines HUMINT as including: The sources of this information can come from enemy combatants, including regular armed forces, and civilian sources. The exact breakdown of this squadron isnt known, however it is a reasonable assumption that its divided into troops based on the specific mission, such as airborne SIGINT or ground SIGINT. If successful, the candidate would then continue training within ISA in such skills as parachuting, survival, weapons and intelligence gathering. (Source) This allowed the forces involved in the surrounding Shahikot Valley to be more informed of enemy movements and positions. Operatives can covertly enter enemy buildings to plant cameras. ISA operatives often work in disguise and undercover. Along with reviewing the security and organization again, ISA was also tasked with formulating plans for reprisals against the Syrians who had shot down two US fighters. Funding was to be a joint undertaking. Additionally, ISA gathers SIGINT primarily by intercepting enemy communications or sending an agent to physically bug a target. Their unique abilities are called upon when other special operations forces have not been able to complete their mission due to a gap in intelligence. Once a member of the ISA passes the initial selection, it trains alongside different intelligence specialists, including members of the CIA. The unit is organized into several elements. In 1979 the need for a dedicated special operations intelligence unit was solidified following the overthrowing of Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza. Delta's deployment was stalled by bureaucratic dealings, so ISA mobilized its most compartmentalized unit, the direct action element, the shooters. Bravo troop tackles the extremely difficult target countries like Syria which had a sophisticated counterintelligence network. This page was last edited on 1 April 2008, at 06:57. Then, Delta and SEAL Team 6 operators would make their way into the city in small groups and wait at safe-houses until the time was right. 8 years' rapidly progressive experience with US Army and a DoD Contractor 4 years in direct support of conventional intelligence units 3 deployments in support of a SOF Task Force. One such organization, the Red Brigades, composed of far-left communist-leaning extremists, kidnapped U.S. Brigadier General James Dozier. Centra Spike was known to operate under several cover names, including Torn Victor, Cemetery Wind, Capacity Gear and Robin Court, and closely matched ISA's description. He tasked them to install a clandestine video camera (clandcam) framed such that it would record all the license plates of all vehicles turning down a specifically designated road. Lgion trangre (French Foreign Legion) | It is known that the unit has changed its codename over . They set up protection for the president and installed a security system. (Source), The tactics and techniques of the ISA are some of the most unique among all the JSOC special operations groups. The negotiations were going so well that Iraq decided to throw in a Mil Mi-24 Hind D helicopter and a MiG-25 fighter-interceptor. Based on photos of ISA operatives and reasonable assumption, they are most likely to carry: For a unit like ISA, firearms are not its primary weapons. Original content is published under aCreative Commons Licenseper ourTerms of Use. With dramatis personae that include the CIA, Delta Force, DEVGRU, the Intelligence Support Activity, Pakistani Commandos, the Taliban, and spies from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence Agency (ISI), this story has the makings of a future Brad Thor bestseller. On the ground, these operatives can use a directional antenna programmed to pick up a specific cellphones signal, even if it was turned off, providing Delta Force with a target building to raid. Its purpose is unlike many other special operations forces of the US military, not dedicated to direct combat, and more towards secretive and clandestine actions necessary to support other military operations. What does one actually do with such persons? Reconnaissance overflights revealed a possible location where POWs, still believed to be held by the Vietnamese early in the year. The operation went smooth up until the force rolled away. (Source). Intelligence Support Activity - Role The Activity's primary role is to gather actionable intelligence in order to pave the way for special operations undertook by units such as Delta Force (known as 'operational preparation of the battlespace'). The next morning arrived, but the moping mandarins came empty-handed: Ok, give me a rundown on the entire operation starting from when you arrived at the install site.. "During the 1983 American invasion of Grenada, special forces units were plagued by lack of useful and up-to-date intelligence. The DCS, G-2 is the Director of the Operational Environment Enterprise (OEE) and author of the Army's approved current Operational Environment (OE). It was a body of men and women first sent to Japan to study Ninjitzu, then on to Chinas Shao Lin Temple to study Kung Fu, then finally to Iran to study the ways of the Immortals under the former King of the Persian Empire, Xerxes the Great. After a massive effort, including remote viewers from the United States, turned up nothing, a team of ISA signals intelligence specialists was also sent over to Italy to provide any assistance they could, along with sophisticated equipment and specially outfitted helicopters. The unit's history, the politics that have shaped it and the operations it has carried out are recounted in great and fascinating detail. ISA recommended covert deployment of its operatives to both airports to secure landing zones and infiltration routes. by Michael Smith He scurried off to the barricade. This was never forthcoming despite the greatest pressure upon the Agency. Most ISA trainees are from Army Special Forces, meaning many have skills in CQC, sniping, counter-sniping and general tactical engagements. Operatives must also go unnoticed, being able to blend into crowds and not draw attention. They discovered there was no co-ordination between them, and vital information regarding terrorist attacks was not being shared. The operation was codenamed Amber Star, and was a joint US-British-French-Dutch effort to apprehend the suspects. It is tasked to collect actionable intelligence in advance of missions by other US special operations forces . Under the umbrella group of Joint Special Operations Task Force 20, the Intelligence Support Activity helped track down and locate Saddam Hussein. LTG Odom acquiesced but took every opportunity to oppose actions engaging his traditional intelligence elements. This Army Special Operations unit, goes by many names, which is indicative of the various activities, functions and environments performed by these operators. A key driver for the meeting was the recognition that quality operational intelligence was virtually non-existent. ISA focuses on gathering human intelligence based on contact with field agents, and signals intelligence (intercepted communications) to support Delta Force and DEVGRU operations. On the one occasion where he accompanied DSCOPS representatives to the Hill for a closed classified session regarding FOG activities, he voiced his concern regarding management, where the Committee Chairman, in plain, but polite language, told him that the Committee was satisfied with the arrangements. However, his several interventions and temporary blockage of many initiatives, showed that his primary intent was to arrest the development and contain the capability. Some units specialize in it, such as the Navy SEALs and 75th Ranger Regiment, and other units, such as US Army Special Forces, have DA capabilities but focus more on other operations. US News & World Report describes Torn Victor as 'trained as high-risk intelligence gatherers,' a title fitting the ISA. Wickham did transfer authority to the ACSI with predictable and less than beneficial results. RecPak is a meal replacement for the outdoors that saves you weight, space and time in the most challenging environments, just add water. (Source). These operatives have a cover in the commercial sector, typically as an international businessperson. The unit exists in an altered form today, but it is an example as to how the USG can effectively mix Title 10 and 50 rules to achieve a common end and how conventional bureaucracies can stifle needed imaginative resolutions. Operatives infiltrated internet cafes in Baghdad and conducted flyover operations in aircraft filled with signal interception gear. With it, they had a unit of military spies able to covertly infiltrate a country and provide hands-on, critical intelligence, as well as to raise logistical support for counter-terrorist commandos in case of a crisis. At last, he came back, and, handing me the tools lamented: I couldnt get that fucker!. In 2003 the CIA and ISA conducted a joint operation in Somalia. Gaining entry into the ISA is not easy; candidates already must be part of a special operations forces group. The order never came; a secret arms-for-hostages deal was cut by the American government. Due to their specialization in intelligence, they can operate as vanguard teams to support another units operations. You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article. Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis. By Almighty God and with honor, Im telling you, they are packed parachutes for you; all you have to do is jump they dont need any training or preparation they can do it all!. "Known as the Intelligence Support Activity, or ISA, when it was established in 1981, this unit fought in drug wars and counter-terror operations from the Middle East to South America. All information and multimedia on Specwar.info comes from a wide number of sources. Given the nature of their operations and the close work and training they receive alongside other US special operations forces, much of their equipment is likely to mimic that of the special mission units they support and work alongside. })(); Intelligence Support Activity provides US special forces with intelligence gatherers, man hunters, assassins and deep penetration agents. The Cantor finally said something, and he said it very very loudly when the mandarins lost control of some weapons and encrypted radios. It later took on other roles like SIGINT as battlefield requirements changed over time. (Source) Operatives must not look out of placeor easily recognizable. When government officials found out, they were horrified, they seemed to have a rogue agency within its ranks. His elements were being heavily tasked, and a directed intelligence pipeline was established to FOG. US Army Intelligence Support Activity (USAISA), also known as ISA, The Activity, GREY FOX and, in recent times, the Mission Support Activity (MSA), is a top secret Army intelligence unit. Special Boat Service (SBS) |, Camouflage patterns: US News & World Report 7/6/98 - "Hunting war criminals: The first account of secret U.S. missions in Bosnia" by Richard J. Newman, https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Intelligence_Support_Activity&oldid=305336, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. Known as the Confederate Air Force, a joke refencing their title, the Army of Northern Virginia. Tracking dummy targets over Medellin, Centra Spike managed to pinpoint their locations within 200 meters, while Majestic Eagle came no closer than four miles. Centra Spike agents operated all around Colombia, as well as neighbouring countries where the cartels influence extended. He seemed equally satisfied when they reported the next morning that the clandcam was up and recording and that they would have the product with them when they returned the next morning. (Source) Gray Fox operators and intelligence specialists operated alongside other special operations units, including Delta Force and DEVGRU, as well as other components of the US Army. But what if I dont need signal intercept and intelligence gathering support for my mission?, Look, Geo theyre here, theyre queer, and theyd like so say hello just deal with it because theyre not going away. He had literally tried to muscle open the lock with tools designed for a sincerely delicate operation. "On December 17, 1981, Colonel James Dozier, the highest ranking American army officer in the NATO southern European Command was kidnapped by members of the Red Brigade terrorist faction. The Intelligence Support Activity, commonly called "The Activity" . The second rescue force was not going to be affected by the same problem, and the FOG was established in July of 1980, under the control of Colonel Jerry King. The unit was raised in 1979 as the Foreign Operating Group (FOG), who was created to overthrow the Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza. The monitoring of guerilla factions allowed the Salvadoran Army to successfully defend against their attacks. People know ISA mostly for its involvement in Operation Anaconda. Its scope is quite large, and it often works in support of JSOC, SOCOM and even other intelligence agencies. WOAH, WOAH, WOAH! the Cantor interrupted, youre telling me you put in the camera in daylight hours, and now everyone is supposed to be surprised and sympathetic that its gone?. Spec Ops Profile: Intelligence Support Activity, Paris Davis, Black Green Beret in Vietnam, Finally Awarded Medal of Honor at White House, Navy SEAL Dies in Parachute Mishap, 4th Training Death in 14 Months, Special Operations Commander Fired After Being Arrested for Alleged Drunk Driving, Hit and Run, 8 Fun Facts About the USO to Celebrate Its Birthday. Get the weekly email from Grey Dynamics that makes reading intel articles and reports actually enjoyable. *Lighting a path to truth* Former Navy JAG Worldwide U.S. Military Defense. He later commanded both the 1/75th Rangers and the 1st Ranger Training Brigade. Though its freelance tendencies were curbed, the ISA continued to operate under different guises through the ill-starred U.S. involvement in Somalia in 1992 and was reportedly active in the hunt for Bosnian Serbs suspected of war crimes. geo sends. (Source) At the time, the Salvadoran Army was facing attacks from leftist groups and more lethal right-wing death squads. ". (Source). Italian forces conducted the raid itself; rescuing Dozier and returning him to the US without a single casualty. _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); The ACSI, LTG Odom, strongly objected to the authority lines for FOG and asked Meyer to switch the Army portion from DCSOPS to the ACSI. We had a key to that lock that the MUPs did not know about; that is, I could pick the lock with consistency. Each of these groups achieves different specialised tasks for their assigned mission. One of their major tasks was to create 'pathfinders'. An ISA technician with a SATCOM was provided for the operation to aid in the tracking. At the point of execution, the road became bureaucratically bumpy. Plus, they wouldnt have to load the car back up again the next day what a grand and magnanimous plan that proved to be. Gray Fox was formed in 1980 in response to the infamous failed rescue attempt of American hostages under Operation Eagle Claw in the Tehran embassy. (Source). Delta Force and SEAL Team 6 operators on the loose? The forms of intelligence gathered by the Activity include: HUMINT (HUMan INTellgence) One problem that plagued the first attempt was the lack of valuable intelligence. 160th SOAR | There are four primary battalions with various responsibilities being spread across them. If they would have been caught, they were done. SMU operator (on ISA breaking into an Al-Qaeda safehouse), Additionally, HUMINT operatives working deep undercover will sometimes work in male-female teams.

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