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. 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. When operatives are in less restrictive environments they can often be seen carrying weapons used by locals, most often in the form of AKs. The Intelligence Support Activitys operations in El Salvador, under Operation Queens Hunter, demonstrated the effectiveness of the newly founded squadrons mastery of SIGINT and cross-departmental cooperation. The situation looked dire. 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. The Intelligence Support Activity conducts its operations during and in advance of US military operations. The United States Army Intelligence Support Activity(USAISA), frequently shortened to Intelligence Support Activity (ISA),also known at various times as Joint Reconnaissance Evaluation Group (JREG),[citation needed]Mission Support Activity (MSA), Office of Military Support (OMS), Field Operations Group (FOG), Studies and Analysis Activity (SAA), The Cantor said nothing. Almost simultaneously, another truck bomb exploded in the French barracks, killing 56. US Army Special Forces | Candidates pulled from computer records, or by word of mouth were required to pass a tough selection course, physical and psychological tests. Tracking dummy targets over Medellin, Centra Spike managed to pinpoint their locations within 200 meters, while Majestic Eagle came no closer than four miles. Operatives tradecraft for avoiding detection is impeccable. What was needed was a SOF unit devoted to intelligence gathering and preparing the battlespace for other SOF operators. Exactly who would execute the direct-action operations, would be determined after the intelligence determine the situational necessities. We locked the chain back up behind it and returned to base. The cover of these operatives is typically much harder to develop since it requires a reason to be in and out of the target country on a frequent basis, and to have inauspicious ties to the target country. ISA was asked to develop a plan of action. Highly recommended. 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. In the aftermath, the FOG was hard at work gathering intelligence in Iran in preparation for Operation Credible Sport, the second attempt to rescue the hostages. On Gen Meyer's departure, his successor, John Wickham, attempted to disband the unit, but Jack Marsh, in his role as ASD SO/LIC prevented it, and required it be retained, and resourced. Unless you plan to body-check those cars I would junk up.. The DCS, G-2 is the Director of the Operational Environment Enterprise (OEE) and author of the Army's approved current Operational Environment (OE). A key driver for the meeting was the recognition that quality operational intelligence was virtually non-existent. "These commands and white Special Forces like the Green Berets, as well as Air Force combat controllers and commandos of eight different nations report to a mind-boggling array of new command cells and coordination units set up after Sept. a Title 10 operation or a Title 50 operation. Me, I dont like to be on the delivery end of harsh criticism; however, I do find that whole situation with the mandarins to be just ever so slightly south of sensational, and fairly fundamentally novice! These techniques include intelligence gathering, infiltration and intelligence support. The Headquarters element of ISA is located in Fort Belvoir, VA but the squadrons and supporting elements are scattered across the Maryland/D.C./Virginia area. As with both the establishment of JSOC, TF160/SOAR and Ranger SOF, the task was not easy. A declassified document provides background information about the Intelligence Support Activity (ISA ), a little known intelligence gathering unit that collects tactical intel for Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and other Special Operations units. From 5 miles away and 4,575m above the ground, operatives could target insurgents communications via cellphone. 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 the years. This was never forthcoming despite the greatest pressure upon the Agency. Highly detailed knowledge of an infiltration location is also key. 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 . Such as procuring equipment, getting funding for operations/training, and human resources functions. The operation went smooth up until the force rolled away. The unit conducts close survelliance with cameras, even going as far as covertly entering terrorists safe houses and planting hidden cameras. The unit is organized into several elements. 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. Key was the requirement to develop a competent counter resolution force. One selection exercise involved dropping a candidate off in the desert without food, water or means of communication. In line with their proficiency in infiltration, they had an array of passports, credit cards and falsified documents to allow easy movement between territories. All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. 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. But if the copyright owners want to get in touch to have them immediately removed from this site then please contact our webmaster. This page was last edited on 1 April 2008, at 06:57. ISA was close to making the exchange, but the deal fell through at the last minute. 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. 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. Reconnaissance overflights revealed a possible location where POWs, still believed to be held by the Vietnamese early in the year. The forms of intelligence gathered by the Activity include: HUMINT (HUMan INTellgence) I pulled out a pick and tension bar and handed them to him. We had a key to that lock that the MUPs did not know about; that is, I could pick the lock with consistency. Well, ok we arrived at just around 1630hrs and the mandarin began. This intelligence then triangulated the possible location of Dozier. Originally the ISA operated as a tactical arm of the National Security Agency. (Source). ISA operatives are highly skilled in the various arts of HUMINT gathering including: (Source). "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. Landing zones were established, Lebanese militias contacted for help, and plans formulated for a commando force. The aim of the operation was to monitor cross-border raids and movements of Sandinista forces and rebels in El Salvador. 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 unit selects operatives for deployments based on their language proficiency and their ability to blend in with the locals. Operatives must also go unnoticed, being able to blend into crowds and not draw attention. 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?. 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. Hostages were dispersed around Beirut and those with Jewish sounding names were being isolated. 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 the years. (. (Source). When hostages were taken in the Tehran embassy in 1980, it became clear that FOG needed to become a larger group with more resources. "ISA's existence became public in 1982 as a result of a scandal involving US POWs in Vietnam. 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. There are four primary battalions with various responsibilities being spread across them. It was Delta Forces first mission and a horrific failure. Both sides would work together on developing the intel, and then a decision would be made regarding a specific operational tasking to avoid statutory conflict. Join our mailing list to stay in the loop for free! "In 1983, a five-man ISA unit led by Lt. Col. William Cowan was dispatched to Beirut, Lebanon to deal with the increasing threat to American interests in the area. (amazon.com). Operation Anaconda was, by most standards, a very difficult engagement. During the operations training course, candidates are taught infiltration techniques, advanced air operations, offensive and off-road driving, personal defensive measures and communications. Cowan traveled the Lebanese countryside pinpointing the locations of Syrian anti-aircraft emplacements. A vehicle on time and on target rolled through the barricade. US Army intelligence defines HUMINT as including: The sources of this information can come from enemy combatants, including regular armed forces, and civilian sources. Additionally, conceal meant can be a factor in weapon selection too. Originally referred to as Task Force Orange, other names have included Centra Spike, Torn Victor and Gray Fox. Meaning that the government of the country these troops are operating in known that they work for the US government, however they dont necessarily know that theyre a spy. action is "necessary to support identifiable foreign policy objectives of the United States, and is To operatorsnot so much. 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. 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. In all cases, the Congressional members voiced support. US News & World Report describes Torn Victor as 'trained as high-risk intelligence gatherers,' a title fitting the ISA. In the 1980s, extremist parties on both sides of the political spectrum plagued Italy. 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. However, his several interventions and temporary blockage of many initiatives, showed that his primary intent was to arrest the development and contain the capability. 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. var _gaq = _gaq || []; Zones are prepared, field intelligence is gathered, and targets are laid out for other forces. An ISA technician with a SATCOM was provided for the operation to aid in the tracking. Well, say that was certainly good news. It is tasked to collect actionable intelligence in advance of missions by other US special operations forces . 11.". Original content is published under aCreative Commons Licenseper ourTerms of Use. The ISA is perhaps the most major outlier doctrinally from its other, better known, counterparts within JSOC and SOCOM as a whole. A goodly amount of minutes went by. Law and the killing of a Russian propagandist: Some Q & A BY CHARLIE DUNLAP, J.D. 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. Not wishing to be a dire critic, I found it rather novice of him, but drew another pick from my kit and threw open the lock. Come again, Cantor? I was trying to make him look at me while he repeated that last instruction. The raid was cancelled over fears that the French and Italians tipped Karadzic off. There was a task I did for the Cantor routinely and at a moments notice. The force is supposedly around 250-275 operators. Access to that road saved a considerable amount of travel time for support for an ongoing mission. (Source). Additionally, ISA operates a number of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and these pilots fit somewhere into the puzzle that is ISA. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! Both were doing the same thing in Colombia, except Centra Spike was doing a better job, at a much lower cost. Intelligence Support Activity > Service branch: Army > Also known as: Gray Fox, ISA, USISA, The Activity . The SIGINT group of the ISA gathered signal intelligence via aircraft, that was then passed on to NSA analysts. "Gray Fox's low-profile eavesdropping planes also fly without military markings. 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!. The fleet was comprised of 15 different types of aircraft for a combined total of 40 aircraft, all decked out with SIGINT interception technology. The ISA has gone by many name: Intelligence Support Activity or Mission Support Activity, and nicknamed The Activity, Task Force Orange . Delta Force | So where are the pilots? Mission. The terrain was extremely rugged, the enemy was far more entrenched than anticipated, and Murphys Law was in full effect. They were so adept that observers commented they could literally pluck information from the air, speaking not only to the revolutionary use of SIGINT but also the skill of the ISA. Cowan and another ISA agent managed to drive through every sector of Beirut, even the Shiite suburb, a dangerous practice at the time. The CIA would talk directly to the warlords while the ISA provided SIGINT support and ground security for them. 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. 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. Once a member of the ISA passes the initial selection, it trains alongside different intelligence specialists, including members of the CIA. Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. 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. More technical training on SIGINT, such as transmission and signals interpretation is also a component of the training. As the name implies, SIGINT Squadron is responsible for ISAs signals intelligence mission. 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. "When the first rescue attempt of the hostages in Iran failed, a second attempt, code-named Honey Badger, immediately started. _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-21361708-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); Fort Belvoir, North Virginia, United States. 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 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. >Develops and . During the 1990's the unit was known as Capacity Gear. Centra Spike agents operated all around Colombia, as well as neighbouring countries where the cartels influence extended. 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. Traditions (religious, political, societal). 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It was so simple that we didnt even need to create a nursery rhyme to recite to help us remember all the steps. The ISA specializes in gathering human intelligence, signals intelligence and combat. geo sends. It built a reputation for daring, flexibility and a degree of lawlessness. 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. The web portal tool will maintain a repository of all INSCOM and non -INSCOM 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 ISA comprises 5 primary elements: administration, training, SIGINT, HUMINT and direct action. _gaq.push(['_setDomainName', '.specwar.info']); It is unclear how often the ISA interrogates subjects, though given their covert operations they likely at least interrogate high-value targets. "In 1984, political instability swept through the Seychelles, a group of islands off the coast of Africa. 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. As such, the activities and specifics of Gray Fox are not widely made available. All the tools you need to an in-depth Intelligence Support Activity Self-Assessment. Before it operated under the name ISA, the group was referred to as the Field Operations Group (FOG). The agents prepared contingency plans for a commando force to enter Beirut clandestinely, and to strike at Hizbollah and Syrian targets. These are primarily preparation intelligence and tactical/ strategic intelligence for active operations. Operationally, the ISA is a dedicated intelligence group, doing the intelligence leg work for special operations groups. The unit is organized into several elements. The OSS was a direct action "group" that was directly involved in sabotage, infiltration, combat and even assassination. > Role: HUMINT (human intelligence), SIGINT (signals intelligence), direct action. 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. But, it was also clear that some form of operational melding was essential to effectively address operational requirements. US intelligence gathering methods centre around the US intelligence process, composed of the phases Plan, Prepare, Collect, Process, and Produce. Check, chief! and she yanked the gat our of my hand. (Source). This was the birth of the Field Operations Group (FOG)-later ISA/Secret Army of Northern Virginia. 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. Praesidus brings homage to the military watch tradition. ISA members conducted extensive interviews with Special Forces members in the country, Lebanese Army and CIA and embassy officials. The ISAs execution of SIGINT monitoring was so successful that the month-long operation was extended to three years. Though its history is relatively brief and known missions it has undertaken even briefer, it has become one of the most interesting and influential special operations groups at the disposal of JSOC and the US military. And with that our boss, the Cantor, doled out a mission for a two-man team of mandarins. This is directed from , waaay above my pay grade yeah, I get it.. Electronic specialists and SIGINT operators comprised part of the force. Working closely with Special Forces and the CIA, Gray Fox also places operatives inside hostile territory. The authors note that "All information used in this article has been obtained from publicly available, open source documents." by Michael Smith (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. The U.S. Army Intelligence Support Activity (ISA) is a special operations unit that collects "actionable" intelligence in preparation for activities by other special operations units, particularly those related to counter-terrorism missions. 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. 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 amount of accurate and up-to-date information about the ISA is very small, due to the extremely high secrecy surrounding the unit, but over the years, various books and reports have gleamed some information about the ISA. (Source) Training involves different espionage and intelligence methods that allow ISA members to carry out their essential HUMINT operations. The Joint Special Operations Command and the frequently-renamed Intelligence Support Activity are similar units. Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis. Featured Book: 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. Bravo and Delta troops utilize commercial or non-official cover. Working alongside SEASPRAY, a specialized aviation unit that would later form a part of Delta Force, the ISA would conduct aerial SIGINT operations to assist the Salvadoran Army against guerrillas. 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. 160th SOAR | In 1989, during Operation Just Cause, the American invasion of Panama, ISA proposed to deploy a team of its intelligence agents to track Manuel Noriega, but the offer was declined. "Apparently, ISA's direct action element was also put on alert during the hijacking of the Italian cruise ship, Achille Lauro. Does the army's intelligence support activity also do direct action? Italian forces conducted the raid itself; rescuing Dozier and returning him to the US without a single casualty. When Escobar surrendered in 1991, Centra Spike was pulled out, only to return a year later, when Escobar escaped from his comfortable prison. ISA was highly classified. Developed hunt methodology for Albuquerque-based Counter Human Traffic organization DeliverFund llc as an Intelligence Analyst and Network Disruption Team Leader in the Get The Daily Situation. However, the CIA couldnt provide these answers so Delta turned to the FOG. ISA has been known to utlizes signal skimmers to pick up enemy radio transmissions and zero in on their location.
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