"Today, the ISA operates under the code name Gray Fox.
World conditions in the early 1980s suggested that some capability was required to address the ambiguous conflicts of each Title authority into some form of credible operational capability. It built a reputation for daring, flexibility and a degree of lawlessness. The unit was raised in 1979 as the Foreign Operating Group (FOG), who was created to overthrow the Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza. 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. The Invasion of Iraq was an extremely complex time for the US military with units scattered across the country conducting a wide variety of missions. 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 unit selects operatives for deployments based on their language proficiency and their ability to blend in with the locals. 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. It built a reputation for daring, flexibility and a degree of lawlessness. That night, the mandarin and I stashed our car and cut through an orchard whose northwest corner gave way to the bollards and the chain barricade. When operatives are in less restrictive environments they can often be seen carrying weapons used by locals, most often in the form of AKs. 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. In 2003 four troops: A,B,C, and D made up the squadron. The operation went smooth up until the force rolled away. Wickham did transfer authority to the ACSI with predictable and less than beneficial results. ISA would operate under a host of cover names to confuse anyone without the need to know. You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article. US intelligence gathering methods centre around the US intelligence process, composed of the phases Plan, Prepare, Collect, Process, and Produce. 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. Operation Anaconda highlights how vital of a role the ISA plays in the battlespace. ISA intelligence specialists, K9 units, security experts and demolition experts were sent to the country undercover as military advisers. For instance, while US Army Special Forces were originally created for unconventional warfare (UW) missions and gradually added other capabilities, the US Navy SEALs, and the UK Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS) continue to perform a primary DA role with special reconnaissance (SR) as original missions. The SIGINT group of the ISA gathered signal intelligence via aircraft, that was then passed on to NSA analysts. LTG Odom acquiesced but took every opportunity to oppose actions engaging his traditional intelligence elements. 11.". What does one actually do with such persons? It is known that the unit has changed its codename over . 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. 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. US Navy SEALs |
The aim of the operation was to monitor cross-border raids and movements of Sandinista forces and rebels in El Salvador. The whole force drove north as planned, putting Kay and me upfront to clear ahead and report back to the assault force. A key driver for the meeting was the recognition that quality operational intelligence was virtually non-existent. The Cantor sent me out as usual to throw the lock, wait for our operational vehicle to pass, then shut it again. Infiltration relies much less on stealthy engagement, and much more on subtlety and effective tradecraft. (Source), Under the operational codename Centra Spike, the Intelligence Support Activity operated alongside CIA and local police elements to track down Escobar.
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Why America's Special Forces Are so Unique and Deadly The Birth of the Field Operations Group (Later Intelligence Support They also have direct action elements within their battalions, alongside specialists in HUMINT and SIGINT. (Source). The simple plan called for pipe-hitters to deploy from the states and set up an ambush at a blind S-curve along the generals route. At last, he came back, and, handing me the tools lamented: I couldnt get that fucker!. (Source). 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. "Also in 1982, an ISA team was sent to Sudan to provide protection to Sudanese President Gaafar Nimeiry and his vice president. Kay-Kay and I sat at a table jamming some 12 magazines and chatting over our actions at our blocking position. During Anaconda, ISA intelligence helped save both the 10th Mountain Division and 101st Airborne Division at Takur Ghar. Does the army's intelligence support activity also do direct action? Marpat Camo Test |. All Rights Reserved. "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. How do you guys block?, I dont know how you guys operate. The ISAs execution of SIGINT monitoring was so successful that the month-long operation was extended to three years. (Source). by Michael Smith Killer Elite Candidates pulled from computer records, or by word of mouth were required to pass a tough selection course, physical and psychological tests. Lawyers for both Titles within the respective DOD and CIA bureaucracies, fought to preserve their interpretations of applications, to prevent one department from intruding into the territory of the other. The ISA agent was ordered to stop the recording, an order to which he complied. 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!. A goodly amount of minutes went by. Establishing cover as husband and wife to live in and conduct intelligence collection missions within a target country. Samuel is a King's College graduate with an MA in War Studies. Small Wars Journal is published by Small Wars Foundation - a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Bravo troop tackles the extremely difficult target countries like Syria which had a sophisticated counterintelligence network. Operationally, the ISA is a dedicated intelligence group, doing the intelligence leg work for special operations groups. The rescue force was forced to launch with sketchy data forcing a worst-case force list. No unit is quite as secretive as the Intelligence Support Activity. Bickering between the CIA and JSOC further complicated matters. The unit has been under command of the US Army but some time after September 11th 2001 command was placed under direct control of the Joint Special Operations Command or JSOC at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States. 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 . It is unclear how often the ISA interrogates subjects, though given their covert operations they likely at least interrogate high-value targets. . 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. This was never forthcoming despite the greatest pressure upon the Agency. (Source). (Source) This allowed the forces involved in the surrounding Shahikot Valley to be more informed of enemy movements and positions.
It was completely hidden from view, covering its existence with a series of regularly changing code names like Centra Spike, Royal Cape, and Grey Fox. When hostages were taken in the Tehran embassy in 1980, it became clear that FOG needed to become a larger group with more resources. (Source), The tactics and techniques of the ISA are some of the most unique among all the JSOC special operations groups. The other half flew to Cyprus to join the rest of the rescue force. 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. Retired Army Col. Paris Davis stood in the White House as President Biden draped the Medal of Honor around his neck, nearly Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst died following a "military freefall training accident" on Feb. 19 in Marana Lt. Col. Collin Charlie Christopherson, the commander of the 1st Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, was arrested How much do you know about the morale machine that's been deploying with U.S. troops since WWII? _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-21361708-1']);
Declassified documents on the Intelligence Support Activity (ISA) Special Operations Forces:
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. Ironically, the embassy in Iran was on their itinerary, but, history intervened, and it was overrun by a mob who took the larger part of the staff hostage. 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. Are you one of them? During these operations, the ISA operated alongside other combat groups, providing them with signals intelligence support and field intelligence, including HUMINT. Killing Pablo by Mark Bowden Under the US Central Intelligence Agency's National Clandestine Service, there is a Special Activities Division to operate without apparent national identification for plausible deniability. 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.
Enterprise Scalable Data Center Groundbreaking Ceremony These are primarily preparation intelligence and tactical/ strategic intelligence for active operations. An ISA agent was secretly infiltrated into Beirut where he provided real-time intelligence on the location of the hostages. 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. Under the umbrella group of Joint Special Operations Task Force 20, the Intelligence Support Activity helped track down and locate Saddam Hussein. 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. These operatives were responsible for helping take down insurgent networks in Iraq. (amazon.com), " Veritas Omnia Vincula Vincit The raid was cancelled over fears that the French and Italians tipped Karadzic off. var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
A Congressional hearing was held, and the media revealed the existence of a 'classified military intelligence unit'. Human intelligence (HUMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) are the most common products of their operations.
Killer Elite: The Inside Story of America's Most Secret Additionally, these operative can remotely turn on a cellphone thats been turned off, which allows them to hear everything going on near it. Traditions (religious, political, societal).
The unit would be immediately deployed to any country where a terrorist act against the United States had taken place, and would start providing critical intelligence, as well as setting up landing zones and infiltration routes for the counter-terrorist force. The US military and many of its allies consider DA one of the basic special operations missions. A DOD lawyer was assigned to the development planning, and Col Jerry King (MG Vaught's Chief of Staff for the Iran JTF) became the first head of the FOG. Unit Profile. Ultimately, Operation Credible Sport was cancelled but the FOG had proven its usefulness. Covert operations are shrouded in plausible deniability. 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. The ISA initially had only support activity and HUMINT gathering functions. The OSS was a direct action "group" that was directly involved in sabotage, infiltration, combat and even assassination. Delta was finally given the go-ahead and flew to Sicily and Cyprus along with Task Force 160 and Seaspray helicopters, thus ending the need for ISA's help. (Source) The US military sought to carry out intelligence operations without the direct need of US intelligence agencies. Each of these groups achieves different specialised tasks for their assigned mission. and other specialized capabilities to support Army, joint, unified action partners, and the U.S. intelligence commu-nity. Well, say that was certainly good news. Prior to Saddams capture, over 40 members of his family were captured and interrogated to determine his whereabouts with little success.
It has since changed names several times to avoid media publicity, having been alternately known as the Tactical Concept Activity, the Tactical Coordination Detachment, the Tactical Support Team, and the Studies and Analysis Activity (SAA), among other designations. Deployed together with a small Delta Force contingent, Centra Spike flew over Colombia in their airplanes and continued to track Escobar. PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States, P.O. The moronic mandarins merely blinked and nothing more. > Role: HUMINT (human intelligence), SIGINT (signals intelligence), direct action. A much more classified component was a solely-US effort codenamed Green Light, focusing specifically on former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic. The Beechcrafts were made to appear normal from the outside, save for a wingspan six inches longer. By the time though, the situation had begun to subside. var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
Direct action (military) - Wikipedia "ISA's existence became public in 1982 as a result of a scandal involving US POWs in Vietnam. 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. The mission support teams help actualize the other major goal of supporting other forces in a battlespace.
As a result, ISA was almost disbanded, but Army officials succeeded in ensuring its survival, albeit on a much tighter leash. Candidates then are put through a battery of assessment and selection courses as well as background checks and psychological testing. Delta Force |
Some forces were focused on eliminating Iraqi forces and others focused on deposing the ruling Hussein family. 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).
PDF (U) Results in Brief - U.S. Department of Defense Law and the killing of a Russian propagandist: Some Q & A BY CHARLIE DUNLAP, J.D. According to The Secret War by William M. Arkin, published in the Los Angeles Times on October 27, 2002, "The Army created a highly compartmentalized organization that could collect clandestine intelligence independent of the rest of the U.S. intelligence community and follow through with covert military action. ISA operatives are highly skilled in the various arts of HUMINT gathering including: (Source). I though not wanting to be the harsh critic at jump street found it rather novice of them the way they got their camera compromised. This is directed from , waaay above my pay grade yeah, I get it.. Cake duty! The monitoring of guerilla factions allowed the Salvadoran Army to successfully defend against their attacks. 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?. (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. They marked secret infiltration routes and bases American forces could use if they were ever sent into the country.
Spec Ops Profile: Intelligence Support Activity | Military.com Most officials disliked the unit's head, Jerry King, and thus, JSOC did not send the unit in. Get the weekly email from Grey Dynamics that makes reading intel articles and reports actually enjoyable. Gaining entry into the ISA is not easy; candidates already must be part of a special operations forces group. When Escobar surrendered in 1991, Centra Spike was pulled out, only to return a year later, when Escobar escaped from his comfortable prison. 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. Since its inception, the Activity has been providing invaluable intelligence and support to many United States operations. US Air Force Pararescue |
Subsequently, theyre protected by diplomatic immunity if theyre compromised during an espionage operation. Parsing one from the other can be quite difficult and largely determined by the location and nature of the target. In the 1980s, extremist parties on both sides of the political spectrum plagued Italy. This is especially useful in countries where men and women socializing is frowned upon outside of the family. Its skills 'perfected during missions over El Salvador,' Centra Spike honed in on Escobar's cellular phone calls and relayed the information back to Colombian police forces. Unfortunately, the police were either heavily corrupted or unwilling to arrest Escobar, and the intelligence went to waste.
From 5 miles away and 4,575m above the ground, operatives could target insurgents communications via cellphone. Cowan traveled the Lebanese countryside pinpointing the locations of Syrian anti-aircraft emplacements. To operatorsnot so much. Exactly who would execute the direct-action operations, would be determined after the intelligence determine the situational necessities. My team, me and happy-trigger-fingered Kay-Kay, were to position north of the ambush site, report the approach of the Generals car, then pull our car out onto the highway to block traffic for the hot minute it took the assault force to stop Klandanjs car and scoop him up. By Almighty God and with honor, 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. People know ISA mostly for its involvement in Operation Anaconda. "In and around Afghanistan, Gray Fox was part of a secret sphere that included the CIA's paramilitary Special Activities Division and the Pentagon's Joint Special Operations Command. Every component of the US military was involved in the Invasion of Afghanistan, including the ISA. and direct action combat. Featured Book: US Army intelligence defines HUMINT as including: The sources of this information can come from enemy combatants, including regular armed forces, and civilian sources. })(); Intelligence Support Activity provides US special forces with intelligence gatherers, man hunters, assassins and deep penetration agents. Intelligence Support Activity The Army's most obscure special-ops unit is the roughly 300-strong Intelligence Support Activity, formed in 1981, which has gone by various codenames over. 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. However, Operation Anaconda is one of few of the ISAs Afghanistan operations known to the public. var _gaq = _gaq || [];
(Source). Case officers also target and recruit potential assets. Join our mailing list to stay in the loop for free! Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Operations Response Team (SORT), " Veritas Omnia Vincula Vincit 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. ODSO/FOG overcame much of this through replication of capability generously funded and supported by CIA. 25: More Chinese Ferry Tales: China's Use of Civilian Shipping in Military Activities, 2021-2022, Hospital Ships: A Vital Asset for SOUTHCOM and South American Navies, The Goshen Massacre and the Specter of Cartel Spillover Into the US, Dangerous Alliances: Russias Strategic Inroads in Latin America, Year Ahead Emerging Technologies and the Collection of Battlefield Evidence, How Does Matter Matter In International Conflict and Security?