The following borrows or copies heavily from [greydynamics.com](https://greydynamics.com/isa-soldier-spies-of-the-intelligence-support-activity/) and their explainer of the ISA. The Intelligence Support Activity (ISA) is a covert [[U.S. Army]] unit providing intelligence for [[Joint Special Operations Command]] (JSOC) operations. Its current official name is classified. All records are classified under a [[Special Access Programs]] originally named OPTIMIZE TALENT. ## Known Designations - 1st Capabilities Integration Group (Airborne) - Task Force Orange - [[GRAY FOX]] - Army of Northern Virginia - Office of Military Support - CENTRA SPIKE - Torn Victor - INTREPID SPEAR ## Function and Doctrine ISA specializes in clandestine intelligence gathering and operational support, focusing on HUMINT and SIGINT. Unlike combat-focused JSOC units, ISA conducts intelligence and espionage operations at a tactical level. It prepares the battlespace for military operations globally, primarily enabling JSOC special mission units. ### Key Activities - HUMINT collection through coercion and interrogation - SIGINT gathering via communication interception and physical bugging - Direct action missions when necessary ## Organizational Structure - Comprises 5 primary elements: administration, training, SIGINT, HUMINT, and direct action - Four primary battalions with over 300 operators - Includes cyber ops teams, technology ops teams, and mission support teams ### Known Squadrons 1. Operations Squadron (HUMINT/Ground Squadron) - Four troops: A, B, C, D - A and C troops use official cover - B and D troops use non-official cover 2. SIGINT Squadron 3. Mission Support Squadron Headquarters located at Fort Belvoir, VA; squadrons scattered across Maryland/D.C./Virginia area. ## Connections to Other Organizations - Operates as a tactical arm of the [[NSA|National Security Agency]] (NSA) - Works closely with JSOC, SOCOM, and other intelligence agencies - Collaborates with [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]], including cross-training of personnel ## Selection and Training - Recruits primarily from Green Berets and other military branches - Emphasizes language skills and ability to blend with locals - Training includes: - Infiltration techniques - Advanced air operations - Offensive and off-road driving - Personal defensive measures - Communications - Espionage methods - Cross-trains with CIA at "The Farm" in Virginia ## Notable Operations 1. Operation Winter Harvest (Italy, 1980s) - Rescue of U.S. Brigadier General James Dozier from Red Brigades 2. Operation Queens Hunter (El Salvador) - Extended SIGINT operations against guerrillas 3. Afghanistan: Operation Anaconda - Provided critical SIGINT support during Battle of Takur Ghar - Called [[GRAY FOX]] during this period 4. Iraq: Operation Red Dawn - Contributed to the capture of Saddam Hussein 5. Colombia: Centra Spike - SIGINT operations in hunt for Pablo Escobar 6. Raid on Osama bin Laden - SIGINT prior to and during the bin Laden raid ## Equipment and Tactics - Weapons vary based on mission, often using local arms for cover - Utilizes advanced SIGINT and surveillance technology - "Confederate Air Force": Fleet of 40 ISR aircraft across 15 types - Mastery of tradecraft, including disguises and covert entry ## History - 1965: Department of Defense outlines need for military intelligence operations - 1979: Field Operations Group (FOG) conducts covert survey in Nicaragua - 1981: Officially established as ISA - Expanded role following Operation Eagle Claw (attempt to rescue hostages in Tehran) failure - 2003: Organization was transferred to [[Joint Special Operations Command]] ## Unusual Information - Members are on the [[Department of the Army's Special Roster]] (DASR), effectively making them "non-existent" - Can remotely activate turned-off cell phones for surveillance - Operatives sometimes work in male-female teams, posing as married couples for deep cover operations