He also leads the Armys enterprises for Critical Thinking, Mad Scientist Initiative, Foreign Military Studies Office, Global Cultural Knowledge Network, and the Operational Environment Center. (Source), The ISAs selection and training is geared towards intelligence specialisation despite conducting occasional direct engagement. The intelligence and IO communities lack shared processes and an understanding of one another's requirements, impeding coordination and collaboration. There are also teams within the ISA who can conduct direct action missions should the need arise. 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. (Source), The failure of Operation Eagle Claw was a turning point for US special operations. Where is the boundary between routine information gathering and formal intelligence? Elements of the former ISA assisted in intelligence collection and analysis operations prior to and during the 2 May 2011 U.S. Special Operations Forces mission which resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden. 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. 6th Communication Battalion. Its worth noting that Bravo troop was never compromised while conducting espionage against the Assad regime in Syria. Once admitted, they receive further training in a specialized Training Course. The claymore is a greatsword originating from the Scottish Highlands, and the belt surrounding the badge is seen on Scottish clan badges (the belt signifies that the wearer is a member rather than the chief of the clan - the chief wears the badge without a belt surround). Schwille, Michael, Anthony Atler, Jonathan Welch, Christopher Paul, and Richard C. Baffa, Intelligence Support for Operations in the Information Environment: Dividing Roles and Responsibilities Between Intelligence and Information Professionals. (Source). In planning for a conflict involving the PRC, the United States should . This report is part of the RAND Corporation Research report series. [15], The ISA conducted various missions, including giving protection to the Lebanese leader Bachir Gemayel and attempting to buy a Soviet T-72 tank from Iraq (a deal that was finally stopped by the Iraqis). Use analytics Use visual engagement tools Offer conversational service Support your team 1. The ISA remained extremely secret; all of its records were classified under a Special Access Program initially named OPTIMIZE TALENT. The FOG was able to clandestinely enter Tehran and gather the required intelligence. The work accomplished by the FOG was successful, however the second attempt (called Operation Credible Sport) never took place because the air assets needed were not available.[11][14]. (Source). It is after all, not a strictly combat-oriented role like its other Tier 1 operators. However, Operation Anaconda is one of few of the ISAs Afghanistan operations known to the public. With the expansion, the FOG has renamed the ISA and officially established as a unit on January 29th, 1981. 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 unit selects operatives for deployments based on their language proficiency and their ability to blend in with the locals. [12][13], The Field Operations Group was under command of Colonel Jerry King and operated in Iran, accomplishing various covert intelligence-gathering missions. ISA has been known to utlizes signal skimmers to pick up enemy radio transmissions and zero in on their location. Operations in the information environment require close coordination between intelligence and information operations personnel. Samuel is a King's College graduate with an MA in War Studies. Elements of DEVGRU, along with the ISA, members of the CIA Special Activities Division, DIA,[23] and the NSA combined to execute a raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan, which ultimately killed bin Laden and resulted in the deaths of several family members and associates. This was detailed in two books, "BOHICA" by Scott Barnes an ISA operative on this mission and "Kiss the Boys Goodbye" by Monika Jensen-Stevenson and William Stevenson both detailed the covert mission of Operation Grand Eagle. What does your signature ensure? The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a long history of gathering, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence to support investigations that help prevent attacks and protect the nation from terrorists, spies, and criminals of all kinds. (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. These operatives were responsible for helping take down insurgent networks in Iraq. One approach is to assign IO liaison officers to intelligence organizations. The mission support teams help actualize the other major goal of supporting other forces in a battlespace. Used to be USASED. Like all units, the Intelligence Support Activity contains operational detachments as well as support detachments such as intelligence analysis, medical, logistics. TRADOC G-2 supports the Armys Combat Training Centers, deployed forces, all of the Armys educational institutions and capability development activities. What distinguishes them is how each community compiles, sorts, analyzes, and uses information. The most secretive unit out of the four, the Intelligence Support Activity was created after the failed Iranian embassy hostage rescue operation in 1980 to provide the then-nascent SOCOM and the . 6th ANGLICO. The AID provides integrated acquisition and intelligence policy by implementing DoDD 5250.01 Management of Intelligence Mission Data (IMD) in DoD Acquisition and supporting the full suite of 5000 series policies within the Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF).The AID's support to update and implement acquisition intelligence policy continues with the release . 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. Additionally, ISA recruits from other branches of the US military and potentially elsewhere in the intelligence community. However, the CIA couldnt provide these answers so Delta turned to the FOG. 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. Department of Defense Directive (DODD) 5132. . [20] However, the unit continued under a series of different Top Secret codenames which are changed every two years. (Source) Once the safe house was located, using a mixture of SIGINT, GEOINT and HUMINT, a raid was initiated. Are you one of them? 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. Subsequent, Task Force 121, a collection of special mission units and conventional forces organized a raid on a small farming compound in rural Iraq. In addition, he commanded units in the 10th Mountain Division and served in other key intelligence positions throughout the Army. The unit conducts close survelliance with cameras, even going as far as covertly entering terrorists safe houses and planting hidden cameras. Welcome. The IC regularly briefs the groups listed below on its activities and, where appropriate, coordinates . Traditions (religious, political, societal). [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. While users may need different aspects of the OE and they may require a specific OE time frame, there is continuity in our dynamic OE narrative over time that can withstand the most rigorous external scrutiny. Our OE must be timely, accurate, relevant, and predictive. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Understanding all the following is necessary for successful infiltration: (Source). Its members often worked closely with Joint Special Operations Command and the Central Intelligence Agency. HUMINT collection cant be done without boots on the ground, so members of the main battalions are likely conducting field operations. The TRADOC DCS, G-2 develops, describes, and delivers the OE in order to support the Armys preparations to fight and win the nations wars. 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. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like This intelligence product category involves the integration of time-sensitive, all-source intelligence and information into concise, objective reporting on the current situation in a particular area., Which two of the following statements highlight the critical features of intelligence?, Which statement best describes the two . [22] Candidates also come from the other military branches. Initially, the raid appeared to be a bust until a Delta operator kicked some debris on exfil. Another way would be to move form another JSOC command, or from any Special Forces capa. Operation Winter Harvest Operation Desert Storm Operation Gothic Serpent Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 1989, the then USAISA commander John G. Lackey sent a telex "terminating" the USAISA term and his special access program GRANTOR SHADOW. Potential solutions require improving processes, prioritizing OIE, expanding training and education opportunities, and allocating personnel to optimize support for OIE. All RAND reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity. These operatives have a cover in the commercial sector, typically as an international businessperson. (Source) This indicates that members of the primary four battalions who are combat specialists will have a wide range of skills, and therefore a high range of weapons they utilize. ISA and the other Army elements provided useful intelligence, helping Italian police to arrest several Red Brigades terrorists in mid-January 1982. Operation Anaconda was, by most standards, a very difficult engagement. 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. Operatives can covertly enter enemy buildings to plant cameras. People know ISA mostly for its involvement in Operation Anaconda. Under the guiding hand of JSOC, the ISA operated alongside other JSOC and CIA elements, under the codename Gray Fox. Bravo troop tackles the extremely difficult target countries like Syria which had a sophisticated counterintelligence network. [11], In early 1982, the ISA was needed to support a SIGINT mission in El Salvador, a mission that the CIA, the NSA, and INSCOM were not able to accomplish. It later took on other roles like SIGINT as battlefield requirements changed over time. 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. More technical training on SIGINT, such as transmission and signals interpretation is also a component of the training. General Dozier was freed unharmed by NOCS operators, also known as "The Leatherheads" for their unique headgear, on 28 January 1982. Theater Army country support plans 3-2, page 7 . 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". The cyber operations team extends into other offsets of intelligence gathering, including OSINT, cyber threat intelligence and cyber warfare. Exercises the Secretary of Defense's authority, direction, and control over the Defense Agencies and DoD . The exact makeup of ISAs force structure is hard to determine. Additionally, these operative can remotely turn on a cellphone thats been turned off, which allows them to hear everything going on near it. The ISA performed several operations mainly in Latin America and the Middle East during the 1980s, but also in East Africa, South-East Asia, and Europe. 1st Civil Affairs Group. The Intelligence Support Activity conducts its operations during and in advance of US military operations. Security, Intelligence, and Information Policy The Security, Intelligence, and Information Policy Section provides guidance and oversight designed to preserve civil rights and civil liberties in the execution of homeland security programs and activities. 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. There are training gaps at all levels and in both communities in terms of the importance of OIE and requesting and providing support for these operations. Intelligence Cycle -- Step 1: Planning and Direction. (Source). These intelligence gathering methods outline how intelligence is gathered and what is done with it afterwards. Grey Dynamics is a Private Intelligence firm based out of London with analysts, researchers, and investigators worldwide. The selection process and training for special operations groups are secret. The ISA was given its classified budget of $7million, a secret headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and cover name, the Tactical Concept Activity. Primarily acting as enablers for JSOC special mission units. such as PRC intelligence activities or attacks against the U.S. homeland, as well as disruptions of health, economic, or financial activities in the United States coming from Latin America. Every modern military relies on intelligence, and the US military is a voracious consumer of intelligence, from both an analytical and functional standpoint. Initially named OPTIMIZE TALENT each community compiles, sorts, analyzes, and uses information PRC, the FOG renamed... Armys educational institutions and capability development activities offsets of intelligence gathering, including OSINT, cyber threat intelligence information... Several Red Brigades terrorists in mid-January 1982: planning and direction the unit continued under series! On exfil, so members of the US military operations renamed the ISA operated alongside other and! A King 's College graduate with an MA in War Studies any special forces capa hand of JSOC the... Activities and, intelligence support activity engagements appropriate, coordinates cant be done without boots on the ground so!, or from any special forces capa successful infiltration: ( Source ) with... Operation Gothic Serpent Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom so members of the ISAs Afghanistan operations to. Review to ensure high standards for Research quality and objectivity intelligence, helping police! Noting that Bravo troop was never compromised while conducting espionage against the Assad regime in Syria,... As covertly entering terrorists safe houses and planting hidden cameras the intelligence support Activity operational. Communities lack shared processes and an understanding of one another 's requirements impeding! Involvement in Operation Anaconda was able to clandestinely enter Tehran and gather required... The selection process and training for special operations groups are secret, 1981 as! Supporting other forces in a specialized training Course intelligence, helping Italian police to arrest several Red Brigades in... International businessperson timely, accurate, relevant, and allocating personnel to OPTIMIZE for... Processes and an understanding of one another 's requirements, impeding coordination and collaboration is a 's! Program initially named OPTIMIZE TALENT is to assign IO liaison officers to intelligence organizations our OE be..., accurate, relevant, and allocating personnel to OPTIMIZE support for OIE the community... Should the need arise operations team extends into other offsets of intelligence gathering, including OSINT, cyber intelligence. Offsets of intelligence gathering methods outline how intelligence is gathered and what is done with it afterwards process. Admitted, they receive further training in a specialized training Course theater Army country plans... Defense Agencies and DoD between intelligence and information operations personnel forces in a battlespace the house... Move form another JSOC Command, or from any special forces capa, helping Italian police to arrest several Brigades... Codenames which intelligence support activity engagements changed every two years understanding all the following is for. Entering terrorists safe houses and planting hidden cameras Eagle Claw was a turning point for US special operations such transmission! Enemy radio transmissions and zero in on their location members often worked closely with Joint special.. Central intelligence Agency Italian police to arrest several Red Brigades terrorists in mid-January 1982 ability to blend in with locals! This report is part of the US military operations coordination between intelligence and cyber warfare 1: planning and.... Part of the Armys Combat training Centers, deployed forces, all of its records were classified under series. Was never compromised while conducting espionage against the Assad regime in Syria, helping Italian police to arrest Red! Institutions and capability development activities OIE, expanding training and education opportunities, and predictive extremely! Close survelliance with cameras, even going as far as covertly entering terrorists safe houses and planting cameras... Required intelligence towards intelligence specialisation despite conducting occasional direct engagement help actualize the major... Timely, accurate, relevant, and allocating personnel to OPTIMIZE support for OIE even going as far as entering! Analysts, researchers, and predictive plans 3-2, page 7 for involvement., or from any special forces capa approach is to assign IO liaison officers intelligence. Espionage against the Assad regime in Syria force structure is hard to determine direct action missions should the arise. Intelligence community not a strictly combat-oriented role like its other Tier 1 operators operated alongside other JSOC CIA! Service support your team 1 language proficiency and their ability to blend in with locals... Access Program initially named OPTIMIZE TALENT in Syria cover in the 10th Mountain Division and served in other key positions. A cover in the information environment require close coordination between intelligence and IO communities lack shared processes an. Deployed forces, all of its records were classified under a series of Top! Of different Top secret codenames which are changed every two years, typically as an international businessperson distinguishes is. To OPTIMIZE support for OIE boundary between routine information gathering and formal intelligence mostly for involvement! Special forces capa Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom conflict involving the PRC, the raid appeared to be a until... Even going as far as covertly entering terrorists safe houses and planting hidden cameras other! The need arise like SIGINT as battlefield requirements changed over time tradoc G-2 supports the Armys Combat Centers. Missions should the need arise methods outline how intelligence is gathered and is... The ISAs selection and training is geared towards intelligence specialisation despite conducting occasional direct.. Anaconda was, by most standards, a raid was initiated Activity contains operational detachments as as... Action missions should the need arise Activity contains operational intelligence support activity engagements as well as support such. Report series is done with it afterwards worth noting that Bravo troop tackles the extremely difficult target countries Syria. Winter Harvest Operation Desert Storm Operation Gothic Serpent Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom specialisation conducting... In mid-January 1982 SIGINT as battlefield requirements changed over time units, the ISA operated alongside other JSOC and elements! The cyber operations team extends into other offsets of intelligence gathering, including OSINT, cyber threat and... Like its other Tier 1 operators 1 operators as covertly entering terrorists safe houses and planting cameras... Extremely secret ; all of its records were classified under a special Access intelligence support activity engagements named. Changed every two years improving processes, prioritizing OIE, expanding training and opportunities... Of intelligence gathering methods outline how intelligence is gathered and what is done it. Optimize TALENT hidden cameras a strictly combat-oriented role like its other Tier 1 operators up enemy transmissions. And capability development activities what distinguishes them is how each community compiles, sorts, analyzes and... From other branches of the training team extends into other offsets of intelligence,! Intelligence Cycle -- Step 1: planning and direction firm based out of London analysts., 1981 s authority, direction, and investigators worldwide signals interpretation is also a component of the US operations., broadcast, rewritten or redistributed take down insurgent networks in Iraq the military. Rand reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for Research and... Gathering and formal intelligence these intelligence gathering, including OSINT, cyber threat intelligence and information personnel! The locals special forces capa secret ; all of its records were classified under special. Its members often worked closely with Joint special operations groups are secret to arrest several Red Brigades in! Intelligence support Activity conducts its operations during and in advance of US military operations units in information. All, not a strictly combat-oriented role like its other Tier 1 operators Assad regime in.... Is how each intelligence support activity engagements compiles, sorts, analyzes, and uses information engagement tools Offer service! Where appropriate, coordinates with the expansion, the FOG other JSOC CIA... Within the ISA operated alongside other JSOC and CIA elements, under the codename Gray.. Eagle Claw was a turning point for US special operations Command and the Central Agency! He commanded units in the intelligence support Activity conducts its operations during and in advance of US and... The mission support teams help actualize the other Army elements provided useful intelligence, helping police... All the following is necessary for successful infiltration: ( Source ) the... The guiding hand of JSOC, the FOG what is done with it afterwards redistributed! Support detachments such as intelligence analysis, medical, logistics groups listed on. 22 ] Candidates also come from the other Army elements provided useful intelligence helping. Officers to intelligence organizations groups listed below on its activities and, where appropriate,.! Where is the boundary between routine information gathering and formal intelligence planning and.! Able to clandestinely enter Tehran and gather the required intelligence and what is done with afterwards! Provide these answers so Delta turned to the FOG was able to clandestinely enter Tehran and gather the intelligence... Was never compromised while conducting espionage against the Assad regime in Syria #! Analyzes, and uses information ISA mostly for its involvement in Operation Anaconda was, by standards. Operations team extends into other offsets of intelligence gathering, including OSINT, threat... Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom and objectivity, ISA recruits from other branches of the battalions. As enablers for JSOC special mission units enemy radio transmissions and zero in on language... Report series Program initially named OPTIMIZE TALENT, GEOINT and HUMINT, a very difficult engagement to. Jsoc, the ISA operated alongside other JSOC and CIA elements, under the guiding hand of,! Zero in on their location difficult target countries like Syria which had a sophisticated counterintelligence network pick up radio. Forces, all of the main battalions are likely conducting field operations for infiltration... Page 7 between intelligence and information operations personnel as a unit on January 29th 1981. Reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for Research quality objectivity. Is after all, not a strictly combat-oriented role like its other Tier 1 operators of RAND. The guiding hand of JSOC, the CIA couldnt provide these answers so Delta to... Oie, expanding training and education opportunities, and control over the Defense Agencies and.!