The forms of intelligence gathered by the Activity include: The Activity is thought to made up of around 300 operators and is under the command of JSOC (Joint Special Operations Command). That close-holding of his cards was typical of him. US News & World Report describes Torn Victor as 'trained as high-risk intelligence gatherers,' a title fitting the ISA. 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. Funding was to be a joint undertaking. 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. The SIGINT group of the ISA gathered signal intelligence via aircraft, that was then passed on to NSA analysts. 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. During the war on terror it was responsible for hunting hunting high value persons. As the name implies, SIGINT Squadron is responsible for ISAs signals intelligence mission. Most officials disliked the unit's head, Jerry King, and thus, JSOC did not send the unit in. A key driver for the meeting was the recognition that quality operational intelligence was virtually non-existent. . The ISA comprises 5 primary elements: administration, training, SIGINT, HUMINT and direct action. The manhunt was over. 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. ISA operatives are masters of tradecraft. Years before its actual formation, the need for the ISA, or an operational entity like it, was already being examined. Operators from the unit entered Nicaragua using false passports, and proceeded to photograph the embassy from every angle, record the types of locks on all doors, inside and outside, record the number of exits and windows, and finally drew up the internal layout of the building. Operatives can covertly enter enemy buildings to plant cameras. Operatives must also go unnoticed, being able to blend into crowds and not draw attention. Bickering between the CIA and JSOC further complicated matters. The ISA consistently attaches itself to other units, either as a temporary or more permanent component. 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. "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. The mission support teams help actualize the other major goal of supporting other forces in a battlespace. Operation Anaconda highlights how vital of a role the ISA plays in the battlespace. Gen Meyer demurred on the request, citing the several parts of the world where Army FOG personnel were actively supporting SOF elements, the Agency, and CINC. "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. "Currently, ISA is believed to be under control of JSOC, and published accounts have it organized into administration, training, SIGINT, HUMINT and direct action elements. (Source) Operatives must not look out of placeor easily recognizable. 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. ISA was allegedly co-operating with Task Force Ranger, and was responsible for tracking down Somali warlord Mohammed Farah Adid, through electronic surveillance and Somalian informants. The planners in DAMO-ODSO were acutely aware of the different legal authorities contained in Title 10 and Title 50 statutes. 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. And with that our boss, the Cantor, doled out a mission for a two-man team of mandarins. The unit selects operatives for deployments based on their language proficiency and their ability to blend in with the locals. Killer Elite However, the CIA couldnt provide these answers so Delta turned to the FOG. The team put together a detailed critique and proposed changes to the organization of the forces, but the document was ignored by the higher officials insisting that security was adequate. I grabbed assault rifles and ammo can from our stash in the attic of the safe house and reluctantly handed one to Kay-Kay: You keep this damned thing on safe at all times! RecPak is a meal replacement for the outdoors that saves you weight, space and time in the most challenging environments, just add water. Praesidus brings homage to the military watch tradition. 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. These intelligence gathering methods outline how intelligence is gathered and what is done with it afterwards. The CIA proved unable to provide the critical intelligence Delta Force needed, such as the number of guards, the type of weapons they were using and what kinds of locks were on the doors. "Today, the ISA operates under the code name Gray Fox. ISA was close to making the exchange, but the deal fell through at the last minute. "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. and other specialized capabilities to support Army, joint, unified action partners, and the U.S. intelligence commu-nity. "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. Human intelligence (HUMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) are the most common products of their operations. 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. It was settled, and Majestic Eagle withdrew from the operation. _gaq.push(['_setDomainName', '.specwar.info']); Special Operations Forces are the elite commandos of the U.S. military. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox. 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. Understanding all the following is necessary for successful infiltration: (Source). They were never used. HUMINT collection cant be done without boots on the ground, so members of the main battalions are likely conducting field operations. by Michael Smith Escobar was shot as he was trying to escape from the roof of his house. ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 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. (Source). (Source) Sending agents that not only act, but look like the people of the country they seek to infiltrate makes for an even more effective cover. The web portal tool will maintain a repository of all INSCOM and non -INSCOM "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. The Cantor sent me out as usual to throw the lock, wait for our operational vehicle to pass, then shut it again. The Intelligence Support Activity conducts its operations during and in advance of US military operations. Since 2003, t. The ISA initially had only support activity and HUMINT gathering functions. At last, he came back, and, handing me the tools lamented: I couldnt get that fucker!. 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. Operatives tradecraft for avoiding detection is impeccable. We provided documents for viewing from both the Agency and DOD lawyers supporting the organization and outlining the rationale. non-covert action intelligence activityoften a collection programto be of such sensitivity that 1 Oral notifications shall be followed by a written notification. 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 ISA wasn't popular within JSOC. Cowan and another ISA agent managed to drive through every sector of Beirut, even the Shiite suburb, a dangerous practice at the time. (Source), The tactics and techniques of the ISA are some of the most unique among all the JSOC special operations groups. You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article. ISA would operate under a host of cover names to confuse anyone without the need to know. 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), Originally referred to as Task Force Orange, other names have included Centra Spike, Torn Victor and Gray Fox. The ISA specializes in gathering human intelligence, signals intelligence and combat. Unit Profile. 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. 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. Featured Book: Geo, take a mandarin with you, the Cantor directed without looking at me. The FOG was re-named the Intelligence Support Activity (ISA), and given an initial budget of $7 million. The FOG was able to clandestinely enter Tehran and gather the required intelligence. 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. This is how we block. ISA operators would infiltrate either Beirut or Algiers on commercial flights to avoid tipping off the terrorists or the authorities. This has been more visible in their operations in Afghanistan, Operation Winter Harvest and Operation Queens Hunter. In effect, the ISAs exploitation of signal intelligence saved the lives of 100s of US soldiers from the 10th Mountain and 101st Airborne divisions. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! Additionally, ISA recruits from other branches of the US military and potentially elsewhere in the intelligence community. Royal Cape, Granite Rock and Powder Keg were some, Centra Spike and Torn Victor being other possible cover names. He had literally tried to muscle open the lock with tools designed for a sincerely delicate operation. 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). Such as procuring equipment, getting funding for operations/training, and human resources functions. ODSO/FOG overcame much of this through replication of capability generously funded and supported by CIA. For a Tier 1 group dedicated primarily to intelligence collection and support, the equipment of the ISA cannot be completely verified, nor can any weapons or equipments continued use be verified. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world. Its scope is quite large, and it often works in support of JSOC, SOCOM and even other intelligence agencies. 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The Department of Defense in 1965 outlined its need to be more involved with collecting intelligence, supported by Robert McNamara. During these operations, the ISA operated alongside other combat groups, providing them with signals intelligence support and field intelligence, including HUMINT. Killer Elite 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. What is the difference between the Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization programs recently developed vs. previous years? The other half flew to Cyprus to join the rest of the rescue force. This extends beyond knowledge of things like general location, language and culture. by Michael Smith 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. Under the umbrella group of Joint Special Operations Task Force 20, the Intelligence Support Activity helped track down and locate Saddam Hussein. ISA was asked to develop a plan of action. With the expansion, the FOG has renamed the ISA and officially established as a unit on January 29th, 1981. Traditions (religious, political, societal). During Anaconda, ISA intelligence helped save both the 10th Mountain Division and 101st Airborne Division at Takur Ghar. The Joint Special Operations Command and the frequently-renamed Intelligence Support Activity are similar units. The unit is organized into several elements. Read Next: Delta Force and SEAL Team 6 operators on the loose? When government officials found out, they were horrified, they seemed to have a rogue agency within its ranks. He scurried off to the barricade. (amazon.com), " Veritas Omnia Vincula Vincit One such organization, the Red Brigades, composed of far-left communist-leaning extremists, kidnapped U.S. Brigadier General James Dozier. (Source), The ISAs selection and training is geared towards intelligence specialisation despite conducting occasional direct engagement. Well, ok we arrived at just around 1630hrs and the mandarin began. However, through OSINT collection we know that there are three primary squadrons: Sometimes referred to as HUMINT or Ground squadron, Operations Squadron functions as ISAs HUMINT collection squadron. In the 1980s, extremist parties on both sides of the political spectrum plagued Italy. 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. It is after all, not a strictly combat-oriented role like its other Tier 1 operators. When Escobar surrendered in 1991, Centra Spike was pulled out, only to return a year later, when Escobar escaped from his comfortable prison. ", Sources: Candidates then are put through a battery of assessment and selection courses as well as background checks and psychological testing. They began forming their own plan for storming the airplane and liberating the hostages. 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. Distinctive Unit Insignia of the US Army Intelligence Support Activity (USAISA), 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 specialists, nicknamed 'knob turners' operated sophisticated electronic eavesdropping equipment located in the back cabin of specially-outfitted Seaspray Beechcraft 100 airplanes. Killing Pablo by Mark Bowden ISA has been known to utlizes signal skimmers to pick up enemy radio transmissions and zero in on their location. 2023 The SOFREP Media Group. Are you one of them? Some of ISA's most recent deployments was in 1993 in Somalia. The southern blocking force team of mystified mandarins meandered in where we were stacking mags and: What are you guys doing with all the hardware?, Mission prep for the Klandanj takedown., Well were a blocking force; were supposed to block cars keep them from getting around us to the ambush site. In line with their proficiency in infiltration, they had an array of passports, credit cards and falsified documents to allow easy movement between territories. "In late 1981, ISA agents were involved in the attempt to acquire a Soviet T-72 tank, which had obsessed intelligence analysts.