intelligence support activity direct action intelligence support activity direct action

Both were doing the same thing in Colombia, except Centra Spike was doing a better job, at a much lower cost. The Cantor, busy writing, asked me how it went. Almost simultaneously, another truck bomb exploded in the French barracks, killing 56. At the point of execution, the road became bureaucratically bumpy. (Source). Initially, Delta Force turned to the CIA for information regarding the number of guards, how they were armed and what security measures they had in place. Officials developed a contingency plan for the new situation: ISA operators were to infiltrate the city and confirm the locations of the hostages, as well as make contact with the Lebanese Christian militia. 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. The unit's missions range from Latin America, fighting communist guerrillas and drugs barons, to Africa, the Middle East and central Asia, tracking down terrorists. These are primarily preparation intelligence and tactical/ strategic intelligence for active operations. 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. Afghanistan: The Fox and The Anaconda. 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The decision was made to deploy another ISA unit. The Intelligence Support Activity conducts its operations during and in advance of US military operations. During these operations, the ISA operated alongside other combat groups, providing them with signals intelligence support and field intelligence, including HUMINT. by Michael Smith The US wanted a team to covertly survey the situation on the ground and provide officials with a survey of the US embassy. 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Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance, otherwise known as Force Recon, are a company-sized (about 200) recon and direct-action element that falls directly under the Marine Expeditionary Force. The plan involved flying feet above the turbulent Mediterranean Sea, at night, through hostile airspace. Key was the requirement to develop a competent counter resolution force. At one point during the Global War on Terror, ISA along with a component from the Airforce and Delta began to build a fleet of ISR aircraft. The mission support teams help actualize the other major goal of supporting other forces in a battlespace. Read Next: Delta Force and SEAL Team 6 operators on the loose? ". It was so simple that we didnt even need to create a nursery rhyme to recite to help us remember all the steps. Operatives can covertly enter enemy buildings to plant cameras. Army did likewise through DAMO-ODSO. The Activity grew out of the need for specialized intel support for US Special Operations that was highlighted by the failed US attempt to rescue American hostages from Iran in 1980. })(); Intelligence Support Activity provides US special forces with intelligence gatherers, man hunters, assassins and deep penetration agents. While Delta and DEVGRU focus on direct engagement and specialized combat tactics, the ISA conducts intelligence and espionage operations at a tactical level. 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. > Role: HUMINT (human intelligence), SIGINT (signals intelligence), direct action. But, ISA also sponsored a private rescue mission by Vietnam War veteran Bo Gritz, providing him with thousands of dollars worth of communications equipment, cameras, along with plane tickets and intelligence photos. Feeling the working end of my pick with my fingers I could tell that it was destroyed; the neck had a corkscrew twist in it and it was staved to shit. "In late 1981, ISA agents were involved in the attempt to acquire a Soviet T-72 tank, which had obsessed intelligence analysts. The cyber operations team extends into other offsets of intelligence gathering, including OSINT, cyber threat intelligence and cyber warfare. Colonel Jerry King retained his position as the head of the group, now 100-strong and headquartered in a nondescript building in Arlington, Virginia. USSOCOM receives, reviews, coordinates and prioritizes all Defense Department plans that support the global campaign against terrorism. This is directed from , waaay above my pay grade yeah, I get it.. International Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Interview with Dr. Niamh Gaynor, Transnistria and Russian Tensions: Moldova 12-month Forecast, Terrorist Threat in Senegal: A 12-month Forecast, Terrorist Threat in Guinea: A 12-Month Forecast, 7.3. (Source). (Source), The failure of Operation Eagle Claw was a turning point for US special operations. 11.". All Rights Reserved, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). "ISA's existence became public in 1982 as a result of a scandal involving US POWs in Vietnam. The "Pakistani cook" piece, delivered as Delta boarded the aircraft, was viewed as an implausible source though subsequent inquiry revealed that the crucial info was available much earlier, but intentionally not shared for several reasons. Its members often use disguises to avoid detection and if they are compromised they can quickly disappear from sight and completely change their appearance. Intelligence picked up reports that the two, along with other Sudanese officials were the targets of Libyan-sponsored terrorist assassinations. So there they were sitting in our Tactical Operations Center in Bosnia waiting to be integrated into our PIFWC hunting operations. This is a potentially significant compromise. the Cantor lamented in earnest. He looked up at me momentarily though he did not repeat himself. ISA has been known to utlizes signal skimmers to pick up enemy radio transmissions and zero in on their location. Once they arrived they took pictures of the embassy from every angle, recorded the types of locks on all doors, inside and outside, recorded the number of windows and exits, and created a blueprint of the building. PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States, P.O. The agents prepared contingency plans for a commando force to enter Beirut clandestinely, and to strike at Hizbollah and Syrian targets. The TRADOC DCS, G-2 develops, describes, and delivers the OE in order to support the Army's preparations to fight and win the nation's wars. Exactly who would execute the direct-action operations, would be determined after the intelligence determine the situational necessities. October 16, 2020 They are known by many names: Task Force Orange; the Intelligence Support Activity; The Activity; the Army of Northern Virginia; the Field Operations Group (FOG); the United States Army Intelligence Support Activity, or just shortened to Intelligence Support Activity (USISA). The Intelligence Support Activity, commonly called "The Activity" . During the period leading up to the engagement, as well as potentially during the infamous Battle of Takur Ghar (aka the Battle of Roberts Ridge), ISA operators conducted aggressive SIGINT operations, intercepting enemy communications and feeding them to allied forces. (Source). Failed Clandestine operations, usually result in some form of USG explanation. The planners in DAMO-ODSO were acutely aware of the different legal authorities contained in Title 10 and Title 50 statutes. Since its inception, the Activity has been providing invaluable intelligence and support to many United States operations. 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. COL Nightingale is a retired Army Colonel who served two tours in Vietnam with Airborne and Ranger (American and Vietnamese) units. After the rescue attempt, then CSA Shy Meyer, convened a small group of people within Army DCSOPS to address future SOF/CT structure in the aftermath of the failure, and while still under a POTUS mandate, to be prepared to conduct an In-Extremis rescue within 10 days. The DCS, G-2 is the Director of the Operational Environment Enterprise (OEE) and author of the Army's approved current Operational Environment (OE). The exact makeup of ISAs force structure is hard to determine. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! The ISA technicians were instrumental in the tracking and capture of a number of Red Brigades terrorists, and most probably the location of the kidnapped Dozier himself. Grey Dynamics is a Private Intelligence firm based out of London with analysts, researchers, and investigators worldwide. Covert operations are shrouded in plausible deniability. The United States realized that insufficient intelligence gathering was the critical point of failure in our attempt to rescue the American hostages and that there was a gap between the Intelligence and Special Operations communities. Electronic specialists and SIGINT operators comprised part of the force. Additionally, ISA operates a number of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and these pilots fit somewhere into the puzzle that is ISA. 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 . They also noted the specific funding line and agreed to manage it as a priority classified line absent committee discussion. "The ISA's origins are in the Foreign Operating Group (FOG), whose origin in turn is in the 1979 overthrow of Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza. Due to their specialization in intelligence, they can operate as vanguard teams to support another units operations. Case officers also target and recruit potential assets. To lawyers, this is a distinction with a difference. (Source) Operatives must not look out of placeor easily recognizable. And now somebody SOMEBODY knows that somebody is recording all the cars turning down that specific road. Hostages were dispersed around Beirut and those with Jewish sounding names were being isolated. There's a lot of fascinating special operation history in the Netflix thriller "Lou," but going into details would reveal Jason McCarthy of goruck.com and Stew Smith discuss his journey to, through, and after Army Special Forces and being Copyright 2023 Military.com. We had a key to that lock that the MUPs did not know about; that is, I could pick the lock with consistency. This Army Special Operations unit, goes by many names, which is indicative of the various activities, functions and environments performed by these operators. The SIGINT group of the ISA gathered signal intelligence via aircraft, that was then passed on to NSA analysts. "Also in 1989, ISA was rumoured to have taken part in the hunt for the richest drug trafficker in the world, Pablo Escobar, operating under the code-name Centra Spike. Stew Smith and Jeff Nichols discuss the new testosterone to epitestosterone ratio (T/E) used at BUDS to deter use Abigail Spanberger spent almost a decade as a CIA operations officer. Ultimately, Operation Credible Sport was cancelled but the FOG had proven its usefulness. Sound Like You? Most ISA trainees are from Army Special Forces, meaning many have skills in CQC, sniping, counter-sniping and general tactical engagements. 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. . The force is supposedly around 250-275 operators. Delta Force | They began forming their own plan for storming the airplane and liberating the hostages. A goodly amount of minutes went by. However, the ISA intercepted Iraqi communications that corroborated intelligence collected from his family members. However, the CIA couldnt provide these answers so Delta turned to the FOG. When government officials found out, they were horrified, they seemed to have a rogue agency within its ranks. 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. In line with their proficiency in infiltration, they had an array of passports, credit cards and falsified documents to allow easy movement between territories. Through their mastery of SIGINT, the ISA quickly got on the task of intercepting radio and telephone transmissions. A vehicle on time and on target rolled through the barricade. In Evaluating Immunities before a Special Tribunal for Aggression Against Ukraine, the Type of Tribunal Matters, Chinas Ferry Tale Taiwan Invasion Plan Is A Legal Nightmare, China Maritime Report No. The unit is organized into several elements. Russia's Spetsnaz combines DA and SR units. If some elements (especially photos) were originally yours please consider Specwar.info to host for free. The Intelligence Support Activity (ISA), the 1st Capabilities Integration Group (Airborne), or simply The Activity is a component of the US Army and acts as a dedicated intelligence group for SOCOM. The US Department of Defense has defined direct action as "Short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions conducted as a special operation in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and which employ specialized military capabilities to seize, destroy, capture, exploit, recover, or damage designated targets. Highly recommended. Samuel is a King's College graduate with an MA in War Studies. Since 2003, t. In the 1980s, extremist parties on both sides of the political spectrum plagued Italy. Task Force Mandarin [better known as Task Force Orange or the Intelligence Support Activity (ISA)] was a support organization formed to provide signal intercept and intelligence gathering capabilities to Tier One organizations. 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. Its budget would be carefully concealed so that it never made a paper trail, and only a dozen officials would know the names and locations of all of ISA's agents and safehouses. 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'). "Apparently, ISA's direct action element was also put on alert during the hijacking of the Italian cruise ship, Achille Lauro. 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. Unless you plan to body-check those cars I would junk up.. He had literally tried to muscle open the lock with tools designed for a sincerely delicate operation. The FOG was able to clandestinely enter Tehran and gather the required intelligence. HUMINT-related activities at the Department of Defense and Defense Intelligence Agency level, subsequent to the disestablishment of the DHS, included continued issuance of DoD directives or instructions governing elements of HUMINT operations - including those concerning human source validation ( Document 44 ), creation of the since Additionally, conceal meant can be a factor in weapon selection too. Title 10 is the broad statute regarding what DOD is authorized to do. "ISA was also rumoured to be operating in Bosnia in the last few years under the code-name Torn Victor. Unfortunately, the police were either heavily corrupted or unwilling to arrest Escobar, and the intelligence went to waste. When the CIA took credit for Centra Spike's work, the Army became furious and a competition was arranged between the two units. 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. 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. The Birth of the Field Operations Group (Later Intelligence Support Activity / Secret Army of Northern Virginia), Part 1 of 3 - Rangers and TF160/SOAR to Follow. The ISA has gone by many name: Intelligence Support Activity or Mission Support Activity, and nicknamed The Activity, Task Force Orange . (amazon.com). In 1979 the need for a dedicated special operations intelligence unit was solidified following the overthrowing of Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza. In 2003 four troops: A,B,C, and D made up the squadron. It is unclear how often the ISA interrogates subjects, though given their covert operations they likely at least interrogate high-value targets. ISA focuses on gathering human intelligence based on contact with field agents, and signals intelligence (intercepted communications) to support Delta Force and DEVGRU operations. (Source), The tactics and techniques of the ISA are some of the most unique among all the JSOC special operations groups. Tools like radios, computers and lockpicks are much more crucial to the success of its missions. (Source) This allowed the forces involved in the surrounding Shahikot Valley to be more informed of enemy movements and positions. The selection process and training for special operations groups are secret. This time around, travel through the city was a very dangerous endeavour, with roadblocks everywhere. "ISA was divided into branches of signals intelligence (SIGINT) specialists, human intelligence (HUMINT) specialists, and a highly compartmentalized direct action element, the 'shooters'. 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. Their role is to bridge the gaps when it is simply too dangerous for other agencies to put boots on the ground, and as these gaps change in every operational environment, so too do their responsibilities and activities. It was settled, and Majestic Eagle withdrew from the operation. (Source). A team of mandarins was tasked with blocking traffic in the same fashion on the south side of the ambush site, then with following the assault force north to provide rearguard to the convoy. 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. var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); Delta Force and SEAL Team Six were scrambled in preparation to liberate the hostages if needed, as the airplane hopped back and forth from Beirut to Algiers. It is known that the unit has changed its codename over the years. Original content is published under aCreative Commons Licenseper ourTerms of Use. It was late in the evening after a long day and long drive for the mandarins, who finally stopped to stay the night in one of the many safe houses we had scattered throughout the country. Operatives tradecraft for avoiding detection is impeccable. a Title 10 operation or a Title 50 operation. The eventual shootout that ended Pablos life may not have directly involved the ISA, however, its efforts certainly aided in the eventual locating and killing of the cartel boss. ISA recommended covert deployment of its operatives to both airports to secure landing zones and infiltration routes. The ISA considers ethnicity of agents when they are deployed. The US military and many of its allies consider DA one of the basic special operations missions. There was a chain barricade that the Serbian police (MUPs) used to block access to a side road that junctioned with highway M4. Things became more complicated though, as the airplane took on more terrorists and weapons on one of its hops to Beirut, and Algerian authorities refused Delta permission to mount a rescue on their soil. Centra Spike agents operated all around Colombia, as well as neighbouring countries where the cartels influence extended. Good enough, I thought. action is "necessary to support identifiable foreign policy objectives of the United States, and is (Source). ISA was asked to develop a plan of action. Tracking dummy targets over Medellin, Centra Spike managed to pinpoint their locations within 200 meters, while Majestic Eagle came no closer than four miles. Some forces were focused on eliminating Iraqi forces and others focused on deposing the ruling Hussein family. 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. These missions include finding Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, locating Army Gen. James Dozier when he was kidnapped by the Red Brigade in 1981 and taking out observation points in Afghanistan to protect friendly forces in the area. The situation quickly worsened, until officials in the US embassy were in genuine concern for their lives, so much that the ambassador cabled for immediate help. One selection exercise involved dropping a candidate off in the desert without food, water or means of communication. The survey was successful, which led defense officials to create ad hoc Special Forces units to survey US embassies in hotspots around the world. In the summer of 1980, FOG agents were infiltrated into Teheran to report back on the hostages' whereabouts, movements of the Iranians, as well as to recruit local agents. Meyer was determined that no future SOF OP with Army forces would be conducted absent credible quality CIA/DOD/NSA and Army intelligence. To this point, the CIA and the DOD followed separate independent paths as defined by statutes contained in Title 10 (DOD authorities) and Title 50 (Intelligence agency authorities). The United States Army Intelligence Support Activity (USAISA), frequently shortened to Intelligence Support Activity or ISA, and nicknamed The Activity, is a United States Army Special Operations unit originally subordinated to the US Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM). Additionally, ISA gathers SIGINT primarily by intercepting enemy communications or sending an agent to physically bug a target. US News & World Report describes Torn Victor as 'trained as high-risk intelligence gatherers,' a title fitting the ISA. and other specialized capabilities to support Army, joint, unified action partners, and the U.S. intelligence commu-nity. The strategists decided the best option would be to send an ISA team in to provide accurate intelligence on the situation, and to prepare to secure landing zones for a Delta rescue force. (Source) These collectively will compose some of the roles within a primary battalion of the ISA. These operatives were responsible for helping take down insurgent networks in Iraq. Later that same year, Delta Force and ISA operators were sent to Saudi Arabia to help organize and train a Special Purpose Detachment of the Saudi National Guard. Bravo and Delta troops utilize commercial or non-official cover. "Perhaps the least known, and most classified unit within the realm of US special operations is the Intelligence Support Activity (ISA), a small, highly trained and capable intelligence unit. Some solid intelligence gleaning prompted the community into action to capture PIFWC Serbian General S. Kladanj on his scheduled move out of Serbia proper into the Republic of Serbia.