The moronic mandarins merely blinked and nothing more. Killer Elite One of their major tasks was to create 'pathfinders'. With the expansion, the FOG has renamed the ISA and officially established as a unit on January 29th, 1981. This intelligence then triangulated the possible location of Dozier. 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. Lgion trangre (French Foreign Legion) | When the CIA took credit for Centra Spike's work, the Army became furious and a competition was arranged between the two units. 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. 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 unit was raised in 1979 as the Foreign Operating Group (FOG), who was created to overthrow the Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza. ISA agents even managed to obtain Lebanese license plates, which would allow Delta to be parachuted in with their own cars, then 'legitimized' with the plates. They also noted the specific funding line and agreed to manage it as a priority classified line absent committee discussion. The OSS was a direct action "group" that was directly involved in sabotage, infiltration, combat and even assassination. His elements were being heavily tasked, and a directed intelligence pipeline was established to FOG. 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. Delta Force and SEAL Team 6 operators on the loose? 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. Members of FOG infiltrated Nicaragua using false passports. 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. ISA was asked to develop a plan of action. An investigation by journalist Mark Bowden (author of Blackhawk Down) revealed that in 1989, the Colombian government asked for US help in tracking down Escobar. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The trials of the ISA in Queens Hunter were not the only time the team was tested in South America. 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. 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. He would be given instructions and equipment along the way, and was required to perform certain assignments, for example, setting up a SATCOM system. Every modern military relies on intelligence, and the US military is a voracious consumer of intelligence, from both an analytical and functional standpoint. Delta Force | During Anaconda, ISA intelligence helped save both the 10th Mountain Division and 101st Airborne Division at Takur Ghar. Additionally, ISA gathers SIGINT primarily by intercepting enemy communications or sending an agent to physically bug a target. By Almighty God and with honor, During the operations training course, candidates are taught infiltration techniques, advanced air operations, offensive and off-road driving, personal defensive measures and communications. Intelligence Support Activity - SourceWatch Intelligence Support Activity-Bragg developed an online tool, the pilot for which was planned to commence on June 1, 2019, to standardize the System Authorization Access Request, Acceptable Use Policy and Privileged Access Agreement for the command. 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. 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. Army did likewise through DAMO-ODSO. One problem that plagued the first attempt was the lack of valuable intelligence. The Cantor sent me out as usual to throw the lock, wait for our operational vehicle to pass, then shut it again. 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. The ISA also has a direct action arm comprised of men and women recruited from the US Army Delta . 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. The SIGINT group of the ISA gathered signal intelligence via aircraft, that was then passed on to NSA analysts. The mission criteria were pretty simple: we would fail our mission if we missed reporting the generals car, or if we allowed someone to get around our blocking position and into the ambush site. The selection process for the ISA prioritizes both a physical skill for field operations and a skill for intelligence operations. This Army Special Operations unit, goes by many names, which is indicative of the various activities, functions and environments performed by these operators. (Source). More technical training on SIGINT, such as transmission and signals interpretation is also a component of the training. 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. 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 As such, the activities and specifics of Gray Fox are not widely made available. Additionally, these operative can remotely turn on a cellphone thats been turned off, which allows them to hear everything going on near it. Some of ISA's most recent deployments was in 1993 in Somalia. 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. COL Nightingale is a retired Army Colonel who served two tours in Vietnam with Airborne and Ranger (American and Vietnamese) units. The rapidly deteriorating situation in the country prompted the United States to create a small Special Forces unit with the purpose of surveying the US embassy. Nowadays the ISA focuses on the preparation of the battlespace for military operations across the globe. Good enough, I thought. The emerging problems our Nation faced in the early 1980s with terrorism, airplane hijacking, and hostage taking, created considerable challenges for the government (USG) to resolve. Know a SEAL from a Night Stalker: a breakdown of US Special - SOFREP Under Operation Winter Harvest, a small team of Delta Force technicians was dispatched to Italy to provide assistance with the search for Dozier. 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'). "In 1984, political instability swept through the Seychelles, a group of islands off the coast of Africa. Unfortunately, the hostages were dispersed throughout the country, and the chance never came for a second attempt, but the seeds were planted for the Intelligence Support Activity. This extra length concealed the main eavesdropping antennas, while others could be lowered from the belly while in flight. 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. This time around, travel through the city was a very dangerous endeavour, with roadblocks everywhere. "In 1982, ISA SIGINT specialists took part in Operation Queens Hunter, a Seaspray operation in the skies above El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Moscow Should Prepare For Probable US Nuclear Aggression: Reports Russian Military Journal, Destroying American Monster Abrams: Pro-Russian Group Release A How-To Video, Dr. Mary E. 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As previously mentioned, its members cross train with the CIA, Americas most comprehensive civilian intelligence agency. About: Intelligence Support Activity - DBpedia SIGINT operations extended to areas with overlapping guerrilla operations, such as Nicaragua, which was facing the increased foe of the Contras. ISA members are often multilingual. In all cases, the Congressional members voiced support. The manhunt was over. 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. The US recognized the usefulness of this unit and began surveying embassies across the world. ISA was highly classified. National and Joint Intelligence Support - United States Army 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 these operations, the ISA operated alongside other combat groups, providing them with signals intelligence support and field intelligence, including HUMINT. 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The web portal tool will maintain a repository of all INSCOM and non -INSCOM Additionally, ISA recruits from other branches of the US military and potentially elsewhere in the intelligence community. This was never forthcoming despite the greatest pressure upon the Agency. The Cantor, busy writing, asked me how it went. "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. Well, ok we arrived at just around 1630hrs and the mandarin began. "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. Few special operations forces are clad in as much secrecy as the Intelligence Support Activity. Failed Clandestine operations, usually result in some form of USG explanation. Not only did this demonstrate that the ISA was functionally effective, it showed that it could operate alongside not only various elements of the US military, but foreign military elements as well. Exactly who would execute the direct-action operations, would be determined after the intelligence determine the situational necessities. 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? The selection process and training for special operations groups are secret. The ISA comprises 5 primary elements: administration, training, SIGINT, HUMINT and direct action. The cyber operations team extends into other offsets of intelligence gathering, including OSINT, cyber threat intelligence and cyber warfare. Once a member of the ISA passes the initial selection, it trains alongside different intelligence specialists, including members of the CIA. Gen Meyer, Gen Vaught (DAMO-OD), and LTC Jim Longhofer (DAMO-ODSO), traveled to Langley and met with the new Director and his operational elements director. They must maintain a demeanour of trustworthiness and calmness, so any approached HUMINT sources feel safe and trusted. Mission. Wickham did transfer authority to the ACSI with predictable and less than beneficial results. Grey Dynamics is a Private Intelligence firm based out of London with analysts, researchers, and investigators worldwide. 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]. 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. Killer Elite: The Inside Story of America's Most Secret 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. 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. ISA operatives often work in disguise and undercover. A goodly amount of minutes went by. While Delta and DEVGRU focus on direct engagement and specialized combat tactics, the ISA conducts intelligence and espionage operations at a tactical level. We had a key to that lock that the MUPs did not know about; that is, I could pick the lock with consistency. Special Operations Forces are the elite commandos of the U.S. military. These members function as case officers. Had the force been aware of the actual hostage location and situation, the force could have continued past Desert One and probably succeeded. 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. 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. These operatives have a cover in the commercial sector, typically as an international businessperson. When hostages were taken in the Tehran embassy in 1980, it became clear that FOG needed to become a larger group with more resources. Enterprise Scalable Data Center Groundbreaking Ceremony However, Operation Anaconda is one of few of the ISAs Afghanistan operations known to the public. 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. Due to their specialization in intelligence, they can operate as vanguard teams to support another units operations. action is "necessary to support identifiable foreign policy objectives of the United States, and is The ISA is perhaps the most major outlier doctrinally from its other, better known, counterparts within JSOC and SOCOM as a whole. The DCS, G-2 is the Director of the Operational Environment Enterprise (OEE) and author of the Army's approved current Operational Environment (OE). Intelligence picked up reports that the two, along with other Sudanese officials were the targets of Libyan-sponsored terrorist assassinations. (function() { The ISA specializes in gathering human intelligence, signals intelligence and combat. The Beechcrafts were made to appear normal from the outside, save for a wingspan six inches longer. 75th Rangers Working for CIA : Military - reddit I pulled out a pick and tension bar and handed them to him. . (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. Since 2003, t. (amazon.com). What was needed was a SOF unit devoted to intelligence gathering and preparing the battlespace for other SOF operators. US Navy SEALs | Operatives tradecraft for avoiding detection is impeccable. Dozier was taken hostage and mistreated, with the Red Brigades viewing him as an ideological foe that needed to be made an example of. The mission support teams help actualize the other major goal of supporting other forces in a battlespace. The ISAs HUMINT collectors gather information from human sources via coercion and interrogation depending on the asset. The US military and many of its allies consider DA one of the basic special operations missions. 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. The ISA has gone by many name: Intelligence Support Activity or Mission Support Activity, and nicknamed The Activity, Task Force Orange . Parsing one from the other can be quite difficult and largely determined by the location and nature of the target. Originally referred to as Task Force Orange, other names have included Centra Spike, Torn Victor and Gray Fox. But it had no effect on me or what I was doing not for now at least. "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. The JTF was largely dependent upon the CIA to provide the vital confirming HUMINT as to the hostage location. 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. Intelligence Support Activity - Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core Kay-Kay and I sat at a table jamming some 12 magazines and chatting over our actions at our blocking position. The Joint Special Operations Command and the frequently-renamed Intelligence Support Activity are similar units. He scurried off to the barricade. 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 The terrain was extremely rugged, the enemy was far more entrenched than anticipated, and Murphys Law was in full effect. The monitoring of guerilla factions allowed the Salvadoran Army to successfully defend against their attacks. 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. Bickering between the CIA and JSOC further complicated matters. The CIA would talk directly to the warlords while the ISA provided SIGINT support and ground security for them. The plan involved flying feet above the turbulent Mediterranean Sea, at night, through hostile airspace. At last, he came back, and, handing me the tools lamented: I couldnt get that fucker!. These techniques include intelligence gathering, infiltration and intelligence support. _gaq.push(['_setDomainName', '.specwar.info']); *Lighting a path to truth* Former Navy JAG Worldwide U.S. Military Defense. 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. 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),