Retired Army Col. Paris Davis stood in the White House as President Biden draped the Medal of Honor around his neck, nearly Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst died following a "military freefall training accident" on Feb. 19 in Marana Lt. Col. Collin Charlie Christopherson, the commander of the 1st Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, was arrested How much do you know about the morale machine that's been deploying with U.S. troops since WWII? Intelligence Support Activity - Role 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'). 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. They were never used. There was a task I did for the Cantor routinely and at a moments notice. An operation was planned for their rescue, with Seaspray, Delta Force and the ISA all playing a role. The Cantor sent me out as usual to throw the lock, wait for our operational vehicle to pass, then shut it again. However, the ISA intercepted Iraqi communications that corroborated intelligence collected from his family members. Along with Queens Hunter, ISA was involved in many operations across Central America, in Panama, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. ISA operators would infiltrate either Beirut or Algiers on commercial flights to avoid tipping off the terrorists or the authorities. Part of a Delta-DEVGRU task force, ISA provided intelligence on the whereabouts of Bosnian Serb war crimes suspects. "Perhaps the least known, and most classified unit within the realm of US special operations is the Intelligence Support Activity (ISA), a small, highly trained and capable intelligence unit. The ISA also has likely integrated other new intelligence fields into its scope. By November 1993, the noose was tightening around Escobar, and Centra Spike managed to track him down to a suburb of Medellin called Los Olivos. Unit Profile. The CIA would talk directly to the warlords while the ISA provided SIGINT support and ground security for them. The survey was successful, which led defense officials to create ad hoc Special Forces units to survey US embassies in hotspots around the world. He would be given instructions and equipment along the way, and was required to perform certain assignments, for example, setting up a SATCOM system. The ISA team left Beirut in January 1984. The moronic mandarins merely blinked and nothing more. I could tell by her skunk-eye that she had a dagger in the pipe ready to launch, so I lightened up. If some elements (especially photos) were originally yours please consider Specwar.info to host for free. Additionally, ISA operates a number of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and these pilots fit somewhere into the puzzle that is ISA. (Source), The failure of Operation Eagle Claw was a turning point for US special operations. Some units specialize in it, such as the Navy SEALs and 75th Ranger Regiment, and other units, such as US Army Special Forces, have DA capabilities but focus more on other operations. The fleet was comprised of 15 different types of aircraft for a combined total of 40 aircraft, all decked out with SIGINT interception technology. Had the force been aware of the actual hostage location and situation, the force could have continued past Desert One and probably succeeded. "ISA was also rumoured to be operating in Bosnia in the last few years under the code-name Torn Victor. 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. 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). 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. It is after all, not a strictly combat-oriented role like its other Tier 1 operators. While the nerdiest Green Berets and special operators comprise the bulk of ISA, there are also non-traditional operatives who have not passed the selection course. "Gray Fox's low-profile eavesdropping planes also fly without military markings. 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 In sum, Uniforms do Clandestine, Civvies do Covert. The operation went smooth up until the force rolled away. It is tasked to collect actionable intelligence in advance of missions by other US special operations forces . Get the weekly email from Grey Dynamics that makes reading intel articles and reports actually enjoyable. Green Berets are considered unique from other special operators for various reasons, most . "Today, the ISA operates under the code name Gray Fox. They also noted the specific funding line and agreed to manage it as a priority classified line absent committee discussion. Being highly proficient in the collection of HUMINT and SIGINT has made them a very effective, yet specifically dedicated, intelligence task force. The United States realized that insufficient intelligence gathering was the critical point of failure in our attempt to rescue the American hostages and that there was a gap between the Intelligence and Special Operations communities. 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. The ISA has gone by many name: Intelligence Support Activity or Mission Support Activity, and nicknamed The Activity, Task Force Orange . Originally the unit was known as the Field Operations Group or FOG and was designed to fill the Armys need for clandestine intelligence collection. He later commanded both the 1/75th Rangers and the 1st Ranger Training Brigade. Its worth noting that Bravo troop was never compromised while conducting espionage against the Assad regime in Syria. Deployed together with a small Delta Force contingent, Centra Spike flew over Colombia in their airplanes and continued to track Escobar. US News & World Report describes Torn Victor as 'trained as high-risk intelligence gatherers,' a title fitting the ISA. Small Wars Journal is published by Small Wars Foundation - a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. USSOCOM receives, reviews, coordinates and prioritizes all Defense Department plans that support the global campaign against terrorism. It was completely hidden from view, covering its existence with a series of regularly changing code names like Centra Spike, Royal Cape, and Grey Fox. ISA recommended covert deployment of its operatives to both airports to secure landing zones and infiltration routes. Along with reviewing the security and organization again, ISA was also tasked with formulating plans for reprisals against the Syrians who had shot down two US fighters. The aim of the operation was to monitor cross-border raids and movements of Sandinista forces and rebels in El Salvador. By the time though, the situation had begun to subside. There are also teams within the ISA who can conduct direct action missions should the need arise. Originally referred to as Task Force Orange, other names have included Centra Spike, Torn Victor and Gray Fox. The TRADOC DCS, G-2 develops, describes, and delivers the OE in order to support the Army's preparations to fight and win the nation's wars. However, the CIA couldnt provide these answers so Delta turned to the FOG. Such as procuring equipment, getting funding for operations/training, and human resources functions. When operatives are in less restrictive environments they can often be seen carrying weapons used by locals, most often in the form of AKs. Check, chief! and she yanked the gat our of my hand. "During the 1983 American invasion of Grenada, special forces units were plagued by lack of useful and up-to-date intelligence. (Source). Operationally, the ISA is a dedicated intelligence group, doing the intelligence leg work for special operations groups. Special Operations Forces: Smith's book lifts the lid of secrecy on the Activity, one of America's least well known Special Ops units. Ironically, the embassy in Iran was on their itinerary, but, history intervened, and it was overrun by a mob who took the larger part of the staff hostage. Once inside, Centra Spike agents would plug in laptops into the airplane's power and could simultaneously track four frequencies. The cyber operations team extends into other offsets of intelligence gathering, including OSINT, cyber threat intelligence and cyber warfare. During the 1990's the unit was known as Capacity Gear. 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. ". Boss Cantor seemed satisfied with how the mandarins gathered the necessary hardware for the mission and then marched smartly out the door. 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. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 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. ODSO/FOG overcame much of this through replication of capability generously funded and supported by CIA. (Dominique Sumner and Peter Tomich). Operation Anaconda was, by most standards, a very difficult engagement. So where are the pilots? During Anaconda, ISA intelligence helped save both the 10th Mountain Division and 101st Airborne Division at Takur Ghar. World conditions in the early 1980s suggested that some capability was required to address the ambiguous conflicts of each Title authority into some form of credible operational capability. The unit was raised in 1979 as the Foreign Operating Group (FOG), who was created to overthrow the Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza. In 1979 the need for a dedicated special operations intelligence unit was solidified following the overthrowing of Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza. The examples and perspective in this article, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Joint Publication 1-02 Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms", United States Army Special Operations Command, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Direct_action_(military)&oldid=1081847487, This page was last edited on 10 April 2022, at 01:40. Before it operated under the name ISA, the group was referred to as the Field Operations Group (FOG). The US Department of Defense has defined direct action as "Short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions conducted as a special operation in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and which employ specialized military capabilities to seize, destroy, capture, exploit, recover, or damage designated targets. This Army Special Operations unit, goes by many names, which is indicative of the various activities, functions and environments performed by these operators. The US wanted a team to covertly survey the situation on the ground and provide officials with a survey of the US embassy. Samuel is a King's College graduate with an MA in War Studies. 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. Nowadays the ISA focuses on the preparation of the battlespace for military operations across the globe. Intelligence picked up reports that the two, along with other Sudanese officials were the targets of Libyan-sponsored terrorist assassinations. 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. So there they were sitting in our Tactical Operations Center in Bosnia waiting to be integrated into our PIFWC hunting operations. 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. 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), Mission Support Activity (MSA), Office of Military Support (OMS), Field Operations Group (FOG), Studies and Analysis Activity (SAA), Tactical When government officials found out, they were horrified, they seemed to have a rogue agency within its ranks. "ISA's existence became public in 1982 as a result of a scandal involving US POWs in Vietnam. For the four main battalions, numbering in total over 300 operators, there are different roles members could fall into. The ISA initially had only support activity and HUMINT gathering functions. 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. 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. (Source). The decision was made to deploy another ISA unit. 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. 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. (Source), The ISAs selection and training is geared towards intelligence specialisation despite conducting occasional direct engagement. If successful, the candidate would then continue training within ISA in such skills as parachuting, survival, weapons and intelligence gathering. What is the difference between the Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization programs recently developed vs. previous years? The unit conducts close survelliance with cameras, even going as far as covertly entering terrorists safe houses and planting hidden cameras. The whole force drove north as planned, putting Kay and me upfront to clear ahead and report back to the assault force. Bickering between the CIA and JSOC further complicated matters. The Intelligence Support Activity, commonly called "The Activity" . 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. Additionally, these operative can remotely turn on a cellphone thats been turned off, which allows them to hear everything going on near it. Stationed in the fifth floor of the American embassy, and operating from specially outfitted Beechcraft 300 and 350 aircraft, Centra Spike tracked Escobar around the country. "Apparently, ISA's direct action element was also put on alert during the hijacking of the Italian cruise ship, Achille Lauro. . Colonel Jerry King retained his position as the head of the group, now 100-strong and headquartered in a nondescript building in Arlington, Virginia. Rather than disbanding the unit, it was expanded. They require units with combinations of trained specialized personnel, equipment, and tactics that exceed the routine capabilities of conventional military forces. The support provided can come in a range of different forms. 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. Featured Book: (Source), Active operational support is also a crucial role of the ISA. 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. 11.". 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. While Delta and DEVGRU focus on direct engagement and specialized combat tactics, the ISA conducts intelligence and espionage operations at a tactical level. Feeling the working end of my pick with my fingers I could tell that it was destroyed; the neck had a corkscrew twist in it and it was staved to shit. This extra length concealed the main eavesdropping antennas, while others could be lowered from the belly while in flight. 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. [2] Unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance and direct action roles have merged throughout the decades and are typically performed primarily by the same units. They marked secret infiltration routes and bases American forces could use if they were ever sent into the country. var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); Here, Ive got it, offered the mandarin with hand extended to my lock pick set. })(); Intelligence Support Activity provides US special forces with intelligence gatherers, man hunters, assassins and deep penetration agents. Immediately after, he would be dropped off in a city, and asked to perform clandestine activities. Funding was to be a joint undertaking. The most important thing to know is that intelligence drives "direct action" operations. The specialists, nicknamed 'knob turners' operated sophisticated electronic eavesdropping equipment located in the back cabin of specially-outfitted Seaspray Beechcraft 100 airplanes. All information and multimedia on Specwar.info comes from a wide number of sources. 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. One such organization, the Red Brigades, composed of far-left communist-leaning extremists, kidnapped U.S. Brigadier General James Dozier. The following article on the Intelligence Support Activity was copied from Specwarnet.net online. 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. Good enough, I thought. The Joint Special Operations Command and the frequently-renamed Intelligence Support Activity are similar units. Special Operations Forces are the elite commandos of the U.S. military. 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. This intelligence then triangulated the possible location of Dozier. and other specialized capabilities to support Army, joint, unified action partners, and the U.S. intelligence commu-nity. 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). 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. He scurried off to the barricade. "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. 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? US Army Rangers | It's a Special Mission Unit and conducts highly classified operations.