Additionally, ISA operates a number of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and these pilots fit somewhere into the puzzle that is ISA. [6][7][8] Originally subordinated to the US Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), it is one of the least known intelligence components of the United States military,[6] tasked with clandestine HUMINT operations and collecting actionable intelligence during or prior to JSOC missions. 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), Tactical Concept Activity, Tactical Support Team, and Tactical Coordination Detachment,[1] and also nicknamed The Activity and the Army of Northern Virginia,[2] is a United States Army Special Operations unit which serves as the intelligence gathering component of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Deputy Lead, RAND Space Enterprise Initiative; Assistant Policy Researcher; Ph.D. In effect, the ISAs exploitation of signal intelligence saved the lives of 100s of US soldiers from the 10th Mountain and 101st Airborne divisions. U.S. Army Medical Department International Programs and Global Health Engagement, page 42 Table 6-28: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Interagency and International Services, . 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. For almost 70 years, responsibility for conducting human intelligence (HUMINT) has fallen mainly to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Groups inside and outside of the IC conduct oversight. The TRADOC G-2 ACE develops TRADOCs Operational Environment (OE) and produces a narrative rooted in Intelligence Community assessments and augmented by unique inputs from partners across the Army, Joint Community, the government, industry, and academia. One approach is to assign IO liaison officers to intelligence organizations. (Source), The failure of Operation Eagle Claw was a turning point for US special operations. (Source). Michael Schwille @MichaelSchwille, Anthony Atler, et al. DPC/RSU - West. The United States Army Intelligence Support Activity (USAISA), frequently shortened to Intelligence Support Activity or Mission Support Activity, and nicknamed The Activity or Office of Military Support, is a United States Army Special Operations unit originally subordinated to the US Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) but now part of the Joint Special Operations Command. Most candidates assigned to the Operations, Communications, and/or SIGINT squadrons go through an assessment and selection course, as well as a lengthy background investigation and psychological testing. This has been more visible in their operations in Afghanistan, Operation Winter Harvest and Operation Queens Hunter. Join our mailing list to stay in the loop for free! Clothing worn by locals, even in specific areas. The Department of Defense in 1965 outlined its need to be more involved with collecting intelligence, supported by Robert McNamara. 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. ACE Futures Directorate studies the OE and threats through 2050 to inform concepts, capability development and testing via the Capability Development & Experimentation Branch, Wargaming and Concepts Branch, Capabilities Development Scenario and Studies Directorate (CDSSD), and the Mad Scientist Program. Primarily acting as enablers for JSOC special mission units. ISA has been known to utlizes signal skimmers to pick up enemy radio transmissions and zero in on their location. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors. To set up this activity, make a bulletin board or display in a wing of your office, or launch an online gallery on a platform such as Slack, social media, Imgur, or the iCloud. His areas of focus are extremism in the Western world, military privatization and the impact of climate change on global security. The administration saw ground intelligence contingencies as needing improvement if future special operations were to be successful, as the CIA did not always provide all the information needed. The terrain was extremely rugged, the enemy was far more entrenched than anticipated, and Murphys Law was in full effect. Marine Corps Individual Reserve Support Activity. Intelligence support to sustainment does not "conduct lethal targeting, nor do they own any organic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets." [9] Additionally, they are not responsible for securing computer networks from cyber-attack, negating the impact of enemy counterspace systems, or countering adversary EW. You respond to one of the recruitment opportunities that pop up a few times a year from one of the units that performs these types of selections. (. Are you one of them? programs offered at an independent public policy research organizationthe RAND Corporation. The ACE Chief leads one of three TRADOC G-2 lines of effort, Maintaining Continuity of the OE Narrative and ensures OE support to the Army, TRADOC, and Army Futures Command. It is common for the appearance and demeanour of an agent to be the key to their success as an infiltrator. The cyber operations team extends into other offsets of intelligence gathering, including OSINT, cyber threat intelligence and cyber warfare. During Anaconda, ISA intelligence helped save both the 10th Mountain Division and 101st Airborne Division at Takur Ghar. The army once maintained the ISA, but after the September 11 attacks, the Pentagon shifted direct control to Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, NC. The CIA was leading extraordinary rendition operations in Somalia in conjunction with the ISA and the help of local warlords. ISA Operations - list 1981 - Italy - Operation Winter Harvest [11] The current organization of ISA is classified but does contain at least three squadrons (Operations, SIGINT and Mission Support/Communications). IO personnel should receive instruction in targeting processes, which should extend to nonlethal effects. These members function as case officers. In line with their proficiency in infiltration, they had an array of passports, credit cards and falsified documents to allow easy movement between territories. Notably, from 2007 to 2008, Mr. Greco deployed to Iraq where he served as the Assistant CJ2 in Iraq, ensuring intelligence support to the entire Combined Joint Task Force during the highly successful Sunni Awakening that changed the course of the war there. (Source). I will support business intelligence engagements for multiple clients across various solution . 1. [6], The unit is known by many names. 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. That operation had highlighted the U.S. shortfall in intelligence gathering. He also spent time as the Military Advisor to the START and Defense and Space negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland. Additionally, these operative can remotely turn on a cellphone thats been turned off, which allows them to hear everything going on near it. One such organization, the Red Brigades, composed of far-left communist-leaning extremists, kidnapped U.S. Brigadier General James Dozier. Some forces were focused on eliminating Iraqi forces and others focused on deposing the ruling Hussein family. The forms of intelligence gathered by the Activity include: HUMINT (HUMan INTellgence) (Source), The ISAs selection and training is geared towards intelligence specialisation despite conducting occasional direct engagement. Little is known about the organization or its activities, but it is clear that. Bravo and Delta troops utilize commercial or non-official cover. Intelligence at the _____ level supports planning and conducting of battles and engagements, provides commanders with information on imminent threats to their forces, and provides commanders with obstacle intelligence. Oversight Bodies. Centra Spike agents operated all around Colombia, as well as neighbouring countries where the cartels influence extended. Rather than work from assumptions or partial anecdotal reports about student activities, institutions can make decisions intelligence support. [citation needed]. Tools like radios, computers and lockpicks are much more crucial to the success of its missions. [11][17][18], The ISA's mission was to support Special Operations Forces (primarily 1st SFOD-D and DEVGRU) in counter-terrorist operations and other special operations units. 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).It is tasked to collect actionable intelligence in advance of missions by other US special operations forces . Military.com Few special operations forces are clad in as much secrecy as the Intelligence Support Activity. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. US intelligence gathering methods centre around the US intelligence process, composed of the phases Plan, Prepare, Collect, Process, and Produce. It must also be digitized so that it is readily discoverable, retrievable, and usable by our many users. Unit names. Acquisition Intelligence Policy. Its members often worked closely with Joint Special Operations Command and the Central Intelligence Agency. Gray Fox operatives sometimes work under the broader umbrella of "Joint Special Operations Task Force 20", which also included DEVGRU, the Army's Delta Force, and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. There are also teams within the ISA who can conduct direct action missions should the need arise. (Source), Additionally, the ISA has acted as a pseudo-security element for the CIA. To achieve mission needs and priorities the OEE must be able to provide all support and sustainment activities areas of resource. In 2003, the Intelligence Support Activity was transferred from the Army INSCOM to Joint Special Operations Command, where it was renamed the Mission Support Activity. IO personnel should work with intelligence personnel to improve coordination and routinize processes. It is unclear how often the ISA interrogates subjects, though given their covert operations they likely at least interrogate high-value targets. These are primarily preparation intelligence and tactical/ strategic intelligence for active operations. AI is garbage-in-garbage-out such that it can make poor decisions based on the training data it is feed. The badge was deliberately designed by Jerry King and other founding members of the unit because of their shared Scottish heritage. ISA operatives often work in disguise and undercover. (Source). 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 . This extends beyond knowledge of things like general location, language and culture. [2], Gray Fox was the codename used by the ISA at the beginning of the War in Afghanistan. They also have direct action elements within their battalions, alongside specialists in HUMINT and SIGINT. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. It later took on other roles like SIGINT as battlefield requirements changed over time. Biography. 6th Communication Battalion. Operatives tradecraft for avoiding detection is impeccable. When hostages were taken in the Tehran embassy in 1980, it became clear that FOG needed to become a larger group with more resources. US Army intelligence defines HUMINT as including: The sources of this information can come from enemy combatants, including regular armed forces, and civilian sources. This robust OE, which spans the present through 2050, is applied to support Leader Development, Training, and Education (LDT&E), and Concepts and Capability Development. I&A's State and Local Partner Engagement . . Within these battalions, there is a cyber ops teams, technology ops teams and mission support teams. A ground reconnaissance was needed to determine if people seen on photographs were really American POWs. However, the ISA intercepted Iraqi communications that corroborated intelligence collected from his family members. Enable email engagement. Their efforts may have saved more than a hundred 10th Mountain Division and 101st Airborne Division soldiers fighting near Takur Ghar in Afghanistan's Shahikot Valley during Operation Anaconda. 3rd ANGLICO. (Source). (Source). The IC regularly briefs the groups listed below on its activities and, where appropriate, coordinates . Highly detailed knowledge of an infiltration location is also key. Who could collect the needed information and conduct the required analyses, and through what processes? For the four main battalions, numbering in total over 300 operators, there are different roles members could fall into. This activity plays a key role in preparing U.S. military forces for coalition operations by developing . This one was from Fort Carson last year. All rights reserved. (Source). [1][2][10][11], The Field Operations Group (FOG) was created in the summer of 1980 in order to take part in a second attempt to rescue the U.S. hostages held in the Tehran embassy after the failure of the Operation Eagle Claw. In 1981 the Intelligence Support Activity began to immediately select new operators, growing from the FOG's original 50 members to about 100. Fulfilling a Crucial Role: National Intelligence Support Teams Capt. The ISA differs from its brother and sister task forces in that it is not primarily a combat-oriented team, excelling in HUMINT and SIGINT operations that allow it to provide extremely valuable intelligence to other military elements. It is not certain that ISA operators were on the scene at the moment of his capture, but the operational intelligence provided was critical to the success of the operation. Answer (1 of 4): Short answer? They are called upon to perform the toughest duties in the armed forces, and their actions directly affect the protection of America's freedom. In 2016, Mr. Greco was awarded the Presidential Rank Award, Meritorious Rank, Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Services. 82K views 1 year ago The Army's Intelligence Support Activity is now the most REQUESTED video I have! Understanding all the following is necessary for successful infiltration: (Source). Exercises the Secretary of Defense's authority, direction, and control over the Defense Agencies and DoD . The Intelligence Support Activity (ISA) is also under JSOC. (Source). Like many special operations groups, their active arsenal is not likely a small rigid loadout, it is a range of various weapons that are available to suit the units needs. . Department of Defense Directive (DODD) 5132. . Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience. [11] This ISA should not be confused with a later unit known as the Ground Intelligence Support Activity (GISA), which was subordinated to the Army G2. The Decisive Action Training Environments, Worldwide Equipping Guide (WEG), and hybrid threat products authored and maintained by ACE Threats are available via the OE Data Integration Network (ODIN). With the expansion, the FOG has renamed the ISA and officially established as a unit on January 29th, 1981. Dozier kidnapping, Operation Winter Harvest, US Army Intelligence and Security Command, United States Army Special Operations Command, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, "The Pentagon's Spies: Documents Detail Histories of Once Secret Spy Units", "Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)", "Meet the Shadow Warrior Leading the Fight Against the Islamic State", "Task Force Orange: Supporting Delta Force", "Prepared Statement to be Given by MG William E. Odom, Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Department of Army Before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence on 8 June 1982", International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence, "Memorandum for Director, Defense Intelligence Agency", "United States Army Intelligence Support Activity 1986 Historical Report", "United States Army Intelligence Support Activity 1987 Historical Report", "Secret Army Intelligence Unit Lived On After 1980 Iran Mission", "Army Regulation 6909504 Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Intelligence_Support_Activity&oldid=1142221543, "The Activity", "The Army of Northern Virginia". Thus, the intelligence effort must be focused on clearly articulated priorities driving the concept of intelligence support and the collection, production, and dissemination efforts. The breakdown of this squadron isnt known either but it likely contains logistical support for the two operational squadrons. (Source), Under the operational codename Centra Spike, the Intelligence Support Activity operated alongside CIA and local police elements to track down Escobar. [22] Gray Fox intercepted enemy communications and trekked to observation posts with special operations units. Traditions (religious, political, societal). Grey Dynamics is a Private Intelligence firm based out of London with analysts, researchers, and investigators worldwide. Each of these groups achieves different specialised tasks for their assigned mission. 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. What does your signature ensure? I am currently an Engagement Manager employed with Downer Professional Services, achieving the advancement of Capability Development within the Department of Defence. 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Researchers, and investigators worldwide 1965 outlined its need to be more involved with collecting,! Of Capability Development within the Department of Defence from other branches of the US and. Negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland centra Spike agents operated all around Colombia, as well as countries! The appearance and demeanour of an agent to be the key to their as... Publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors reuse in another form any., researchers, and through what processes interrogate high-value targets for US special operations units page is encouraged four battalions... Are also teams within the ISA and the impact of climate change on global.... Of an infiltration location is also under JSOC clothing worn by locals, even specific! Acting as enablers for JSOC special mission units of this publication online is prohibited ; linking to! 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