The CIA's ELITE: The Special Activities Division

The CIA's ELITE: The Special Activities Division
The Special Activities Division, the CIA's top tier unit. It is one of the most secretive and powerful intelligence groups and special operations force in the world. As the agency's elite force, the SAD is responsible for carrying out some of the most daring and high-stakes operations across the globe. It is now better known as the Special Activities Center. In this video, you'll learn all about their missions, training and their incredible work ethic to get the job done.

[@the-spy-network]

Any specific unit, capability or other topic you want to see covered next? Let me know!

[@PRIMExTIME304]

us army isa (Intelligence support Activity)?

[@jackwalker9492]

The 29th Mess Kit Repair Detachment or something on Rodeo Clowns! LOL, kidding you and thanks for a great site.

[@the-spy-network]

I have a video on that! Check out my channel.

[@the-spy-network]

Got me there for a second 😂

[@alanwisse192]

More on combat divers. My friend was one in the late 80s .

[@JohnDoe-fx9eb]

I can relate to all this bcuz I worked 20 years in the Walmart community

[@the-spy-network]

Nice one, John. Tell us more!

[@jeffcastner7882]

@@the-spy-network Hilarious!

[@jeffcastner7882]

Hilarious!

[@MrTwins09]

Holy crap. You must have seen some scary stuff

[@zerofrindz]

Welcome to Walmart .....cover story greeter... Bad ass.

[@PaulGualtieri-m6v]

Considering that the S.A.D. recruits from experienced members of the military these guys must be in their late 30s to early 40s, which is ancient for this level of activity. Respect.

[@the-spy-network]

I was thinking that while making this video as well. I want what they're getting...

[@beardeddragon9255]

​@@the-spy-networkSome people are just genetically golden and can outrun college athletes at the age of 65. The CIA is very good at fine combing through humanity for the best of the best.

[@barbecueman6352]

They’re most likely trained in counter insurgency rather than as a forward assault unit, so they would be on the ground advising revolutionary armies on the front lines rather than being like the guys who chased down Bin Laden

[@mxtt8170]

@@the-spy-networkif history and lawsuits are any indication: lots and lots of steroids

[@chuckscott26]

Never underestimate an old man in a profession where men usually die young.

[@valentinlopez6189]

I can’t begin to imagine the intelligence, mental and emotional toughness required to do this job. Their physical abilities and endurance must be off the charts.

[@the-spy-network]

I agree. These men (and women?) have an insane level of overall toughness.

[@lesliegrayson1722]

Not many can understand. I don't think its insane its just what most people aren't used to.. If you don't read 2hrs a day its hard to then study for UNI... If you don't run 2-5kms a day its hard to then do a full marathon. I swear my parents were getting me ready for the Army.. they used to say they were picking me up from school and then leave me to walk 5 - 15kms in the pouring rain with a bag full of books, on a regular basis.. If I wasn't exercising 6-8 hours a day from the age of 11yrs I think Id have been really pissed!! :)

[@Eastonwest71]

Chill, they’re not all that. They just rely on intelligence, element of surprise, money $$$, and political influence. When they get caught sneaking around, they get killed, but we don’t hear about that part. The govmnt denies they were even working for them.

[@heibk-2014]

​@@lesliegrayson1722every countries has an equivalent like Russia has the FSB And GRU

[@beantea5592]

Or they're just the most morally flexible and willing to do what they're told.

[@julietmike1018]

I knew a guy from CAG who was contracting for the CIA and was asked if he wanted to screen for SAD. He turned it down he said because 1) he was very old, and 2) those guys operate with a certain amount ot moral flexibility that he couldn't bring himself to operate with. Nevertheless, he maintains that it is the most difficult selection process in the world.

[@the-spy-network]

Yeah, moral flexibility is a definite must I can imagine. But if CAG operators are saying that, then it must be next big thing after DEVGRU & CAG.

[@ricky-leethompson6786]

If he was legit he wouldn't be telling anyone what he was applying for even if he didnt make it in you still dont tell anyone what you do that includes family not even there wives a not to know only ones who can know obviously is your colleagues & the government themselves

[@learning_with_irving4266]

Beast

[@julietmike1018]

@ricky-leethompson6786 this was at a recruiting Q&A with guys who were eligible to go to GRS. The question was "is it better to go to GRS or to try out for SAD?" He was just answering the question, and given that this was at a private career fair hosted by some big names in contracting, I'd say he was legit.

[@untermench3502]

@@the-spy-network I was a member of SAD back in the early 80's. One of my rommmates was a DEVGRU detalee an the other was a former Marine Recon. It was an interesting job. I have to admit that the moral flexibility comment made me chuckle

[@HongKongKid]

I wasn't in the CIA but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express...😂

[@johnreynolds1527]

🤣

[@treystevenson9872]

A special operations soldier said a great thing about the CIA’s S.A.D.: “So bad ass, they don’t exist.”

[@the-spy-network]

Sounds about right 👌

[@em34ev3r]

huh? That came from your head right. CIA SAD directly recruits from the special operation community. CIA actually relies on the military's tier 1 and 2 units to carry out their missions. Stop playing so much COD.

[@teresacastillo1783]

Said a great thing a 4:56 bout the CIA hing probably gave him something stolen free coming from a children's food going sleeping hungry to give it to him and say positive things

[@HumbleAstronaut]

​@@em34ev3rtheir main mission is complete "deniable" operations. If Rainbow Six is Black Operations, then SAD is the shadow cast by those operations. So no, not from his head.

[@HumbleAstronaut]

​@@em34ev3rdid you even watch the video? their main mission is complete "deniable" operations. If Rainbow Six is Black Operations, then SAD is the shadow cast by those operations.

[@iverstim]

Wow, this channel replies to a lot of comments. Good job man! It’s nice to see you interacting with us . I hope your channel kills it with subs!

[@the-spy-network]

I like the interaction.. the good and the bad, haha! Not sure how long I can keep up with it if I get thousands of comments, but we'll see! Thank you, I appreciate it :).

[@grindhard1]

As a big fan from Germany I can just say thank you this unit is the most skilled one in the whole world (my opinion)

[@the-spy-network]

🤙🏼

[@immortalghost443]

To put in a way... Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon is basically a CIA SOG Simulator

[@Heeroyui752]

Pretty much especially Breakpoint.

[@McCarthy1776]

Its not a SOG simulator. First of all those video games are HIGHLY unrealistic. You're either 12 years old or autistic af if you think that video game is a realistic simulation of combat. America's Army for the Xbox is the only realistic FPS ive ever played and it was made by the army. Also Ghost Recon is a book series, Tom Clancy is an author. The game was based on the books. And in the books Ghost Recon guys are just a special branxh of US Army SF guys, inspired by Delta Force but in the books they are SF. Either way they are not CIA. So none of what you said makes any sense.

[@McCarthy1776]

​@@Heeroyui752no not at all. Its not realistic at all, its no where close to a simulation, its just an unrealistic video game, it was never meant to be a simulation. And its based on a book series and in the books its an Army SF group not CIA. Huge difference. Either you didnt listen to the video or you didnt pay attention to the plot of Ghost Recon. Just because guys do fancy operations and Recon doesnt mean they are all the same thing. The CIA and the military are 2 completely different things.

[@dancing_nugget2866]

@@McCarthy1776 not that deep buddy

[@rollotomassi6374]

Thank goodness we have these badasses on our side……they are the best of the best. Please keep them all safe.

[@oregonoutback7779]

Back in the early 70's I worked for a recently retired Army Ranger that had graduated with the first class of SF. He said this was the last time he wore a military uniform till he retired. Said he was assigned to a three letter agency he referred to as the DDT .... department of dirty tricks, hah. He would play this game on lunch break where we were challenged to come up with a story or headline pertaining to world events. He would then tell us the real story. Wish now, I would have written them all down. At the time, didn't know if he was full of shit, but gradually, over the years, many of his stories played out to be true. So glad I stumbled across this channel today. Subscribed and will start working my way through your video's. Thanks.

[@the-spy-network]

DDT, that's a great one 😂. I guess it's part of their game to cause confusion, they are the DDT for a reason😅 Thanks a lot for subscribing and there is a lot more coming :)

[@tedfio1tedfio1]

Sounds like he was possibly in MACVSOG! My uncle was SF and in MACVSOG and he showed me his photo, he looked like an inmate at San Quentin.

[@kevinsmith7316]

Hmmm… wonder how much of this is used on American soil

[@the-spy-network]

No telling. This information must be leaked before it would ever get to be known, otherwise we would never be told. Perhaps it's even better if we didnt know 😖

[@nistaffsubs6787]

They use It in América , same delta force, Internal enemies...

[@bobbin-lc8fx]

Definitely couldn’t have been them shooting up that country concert. You know, the one blamed on a guy with bump stocks

[@kurtreed7022]

​@@bobbin-lc8fxyou think they did all that to ban bump stocks? Seriously, no one cared about bump stocks before that happened, and no one cared about bump stocks after it happened, that's why Congress were able to pass the ban on bump stocks into law so easily, I highly doubt they'd do all that for something as minute as bump stocks. "Let's kill 50 something people so we can make a non issue an issue" 😂 The Gulf of tonkin was a false flag to get involved in Vietnam, there were no American casualties...so by your logic they killed a bunch of Americans to ban bump stocks, but they made sure not to kill Americans when their goal was to start a war that lasted 9 years.

[@ricky-leethompson6786]

​@@the-spy-networkagree the less the public know the better the public is on a need to know basis and the public dont need to know

[@MyersEmpires]

The training alone causes trauma and medical problems, these guys sacrifice so much, THANK YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES FOR YOUR SERVICE! 🙏

[@teresacastillo1783]

CIA are only known to be CIA pimps to compete with American women tax payers war money

[@alwaysbanned4812]

...you thank them for this? Holy sh what a pleb

[@lucycarr6065]

I laughed at the part about them not wearing clothing that would give them away because during the Cold War SOG officers were easy to spot because they only focused on their top half, never the bottom. Which is why the running joke in S2 is to always look for "the men in nice pants" if you're trying to pick a SOG officer out of a crowd, and has become a tongue in cheek way to refer to them in the intelligence community even today.

[@the-spy-network]

You are absolutely right, I learned that after making the video.

[@alanwisse192]

I love when you open the doors to secretive units and let us look inside. At least 10% of our military should take that 18 month training.

[@the-spy-network]

Appreciate it! Although some info might be innacurate because of their secretive nature, I'm always putting in the effort and research to make it as much of the real deal as possible!

[@lupuswarrior6785]

They wouldn’t pass The CIA takes the best and makes them better

[@scotthoskins1875]

Ten percent couldn't handle it

[@spencerkleiman5035]

​@@scotthoskins1875more like 75-90% couldn't handle it. They have 33-66% graduation rates I think. And those were the ones who were even qualified to be considered. All those other weekend warrior less than stellar soldiers would have a way higher failure percentage. Damn near 95%. Lots of people in the military can't consistently pass their PT tests as it is 😂

[@GoPoundSalt]

@@the-spy-network The CIA I know are dads, with kids, overweight, Director of companies abroad. None to do with your video :)

[@kangwabwalya1975]

Love the vidoes keep them coming 👍🏾

[@the-spy-network]

Thank you! Appreciate it :)

[@theasianinvasionmma]

True black ops 💀

[@the-spy-network]

☠️🏴‍☠️

[@stefanschleps8758]

Thank you. That was the best , in-depth, look at this subject I've seen. Kudos. That gets you another sub. Peace.

[@the-spy-network]

I appreciate it! Thank you :)

[@spyfiction4]

I would like to say thanks for this vid. I been wondering about this.

[@lesliegrayson1722]

The activity.. doesn't care so much if people know about them anymore..

[@the-spy-network]

We only know what we are allowed to know.

[@JarodFarrant]

@@the-spy-network and sometimes we have whistleblowers here and there telling us things that the CIA is doing that they shouldn’t be, but they preferred to keep quiet even from the president(and to any CIA operative reading this I am sure the CIA never does anything but the government back I was totally joking in this comment 😂) please let me continue to live

[@JME1186]

Shoutout to the badasses in MACV-SOG during Vietnam War. SOG in general fascinates me, but the way MACV-SOG handled business despite a whirlwind of buffoonery and outright corruption coming from our own Government/leaders deserves recognition. MacV-SOG predates my existence on this earth and have never served in the military, to be clear. However like many Americans, my uncle served in the Marines and had the displeasure of being neck deep in firefights many times while in Vietnam. He was a hard, mostly cold man from the time I was born until his passing and very rarely spoke about his experiences…But one thing he said many times and has stuck with me? His admiration and never-ending respect for everyone involved in MacV-SOG. To everyone who served, regardless of rank/sector/combat experience or lack thereof, I salute you all.

[@the-spy-network]

Well spoken and could not agree more. 👍🏻

[@davidwell686]

For all the Special Op units we have in the USA we still lost in Afghanistan.

[@the-spy-network]

Lost? Or intentionally left because we had no further interests?

[@davidwell686]

@@the-spy-network We lost the moment we decided to stay and go a trillion dollar "nation building" nonsense. Such a waste of so many American lives.

[@the-spy-network]

Unfortunately yes... I understand the political game, but I also hate it and it's bureaucracy.

[@earlgrey691]

@@the-spy-network 'We' being the fortune-500's interests ?

[@envy7535]

@@davidwell686 7'000 American soldiers 200'000 Afghanis who really lost?

[@ahar7624]

I wonder more about what these operatives do every day when they arent working, do they live normal family lives, or constantly train? Do they live cover lives or live on army bases? That fascinates me more than their actual operations

[@the-spy-network]

I'm certain they live double lives.. it's impossible in this line of work to mix it with your everyday life. Constantly training is part of that life as well, I assume.

[@justmeeagainn]

One unit whose cover was blown were living in NYC under the aliases Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer. Kramer was the most feared and deadly of the bunch.

[@jeffshackleford3152]

@@justmeeagainn I would be mean if my name was Kramer as well.

[@willis7495]

They kind of do live normal lives. Look at Shawn Ryan, navy seal, after seals was a cia operative. Doesn’t really talk about much of his work there but he refers to the cia as the company

[@theleagueofshadows100]

Thanks for the video brother. Liked/subscribed. Appreciate your efforts.

[@the-spy-network]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate it :)

[@jerryfarmer5989]

Enough said. One thing you can always tell is when someone with CIA approaches you. The military have their own branch named the DIA.

[@the-spy-network]

I swear I learn something new everyday. It seems there are an infinite amount of 3 letter acronym units.

[@AssetH8ut2]

@@the-spy-network funny how that works

[@brianb8003]

DIA and CIA focus on two separate use-cases. CIA cares about things such as a nation state's economy, agriculture, political influence, population, etc. DIA tends to focus on military construction, arms purchases, alliances, organizational structure of a military, and the such.

[@jg3_75]

2:10 that picture you put up representing the SEAL teams, IS the tier 1 special missions unit. It has 6stars and says development group.

[@the-spy-network]

That's not true. At 2:10 it says Special Operations Group.

[@coleyamos]

2:18*

[@deannatheos4471]

I always thought these guys were very interesting spy commandos. 😊

[@the-spy-network]

Indeed!

[@jamelsterling3963]

This gives me “Mile 22” vibes , if you’ve ever seen the movie

[@the-spy-network]

Absolutely. Enjoyed it a lot, thanks for reminding me of it, I'm going to watch it again!

[@brendasays2324]

To all the military personnel!!! Thank your for your service and sacrifices!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@the-spy-network]

💯💯

[@viktornilsson1777]

Thanks you for serving us - the wealthy elite. Good boys😗

[@Ben-xf7uy]

Real life Robert Redford Spy Games type stuff is real?? So crazy to think about

[@the-spy-network]

It's possibly even crazier than we can imagine.. this is just the tip of the iceberg. This is what they want us to know, haha.

[@tonioyendis4464]

The narrator has a voice that sounds like what an Operator's voice should sound like.

[@the-spy-network]

Im glad you noticed this, I wanted to resemble it as best as possible, although it stays very subjective of course.

[@michael98478]

Nothing is better than Delta Force

[@FárbautiX]

Better at what exactly?

[@EasilyCringed]

If you're interested on learning more about the CIA, the team house channel has a podcast with James Powell, a CIA Officer.

[@rickhunter7443]

I heard of a guy from Devgru red squadron who got fired for being drunk and pistol whipping his teammate on deployment. He got hired by the CIA after getting kicked out of Devgru. And I am sure they willingly took him.

[@the-spy-network]

To these kinds of units, DEVGRU guys are golden.

[@em34ev3r]

CIA would take any tier 1 operator in a heart beat. All these stupid youtube comments about how CIA SAD operators are the shit and totally black ops are pretty fcking stupid.

[@joshualoh499]

They probably “made” him do it to appear “unemployable”.

[@barbecueman6352]

2:50 funniest part of this video is the guys wear their full MCCUU while in the office and it’s probably accurate to 😂

[@the-spy-network]

😂😂

[@usertttt7483]

As a lost prevention officer, I can confirm we and sap units are identical and surgical

[@quintipleresolution3121]

I love to learn about the British Asa E Squadron, and how they learn from the Us Special forces👌🏽

[@the-spy-network]

I got a video about the US E Squadron coming after this one. Especially about the history of the unit and how it became E Squadron. So I might do the British one next ;).

[@gootusfootus3229]

They don’t learn from us special forces they have their own training, like Canada, Australia France and Germany.

[@gootusfootus3229]

Sure they share ideas but don’t specifically train each other

[@TMAN0603]

Excellent video. I just subscribed.

[@the-spy-network]

Thank you! I appreciate it :)

[@EasilyCringed]

I've spent about an hour looking for the outer clothing these operators wore. Back then the were wearing mainly fishing vests aka safari clothing

[@leandromarques4927]

Great.

[@the-spy-network]

Thank you!

[@James-hs3tu]

Good mini Movie 🎥🎥🎥🎥🍿🍿🍿🍿

[@whiskeynovember8498]

The CIA has entered the chat

[@the-spy-network]

🧐

[@marcelb4320]

I love my country...... Oh say can u see

[@littlejohn9458]

I was a SAD op , but some of us operate alone.

[@diannh2894]

Love your channel!

[@the-spy-network]

Thank you! Appreciate that :).

[@sansarkawt3351]

@@the-spy-networko looks Like CIA SAC SOG ground branch are conducting sabotage raids in Ukraine since diplomacy failed and military unwise cause WW3 so the third option is CIA SAC in which they operate in the shadows can blend in with Ukraine SOF during raids behind enemy lines no??

[@Losttribesmen]

We are watching

[@the-spy-network]

👀👀👀

[@hughjaass3787]

As a one time member of an unnamed SAG Unit, I say with confidence, this video contains 75--80% accuracy. I did alot more hostage rescue than implied in this video. However, all in all, this is an entertaining video.

[@the-spy-network]

Well, I think that is a pretty nice achievement seeing the scarcity of information out there. Thanks :).

[@haveaniceday7950]

interesting. are there any units that do ONLY hostage rescue?

[@jeffshackleford3152]

@@haveaniceday7950 FBI HRT

[@Aviator369]

Thank You for your service !! ✅

[@napoleon9970]

@@haveaniceday7950pararescue google them

[@cemoney365]

Its crazy cuz a lot of tier 1 operators I see are physically intimidating, and just jahcked. These pics i see of some of these guys, they look relatively normal. But they obviously have the capability of ending someone with their barehands.

[@the-spy-network]

Haha indeed, make no mistake. If you are jacked with a beard and a baseball cap, you'll be picked up by the adversaries from miles away. It's the seemingly nerdy, scrawny and normal people that you did not expect it from.

[@brianb8003]

One of the most bad ass operators in the world for decades was Mike Vining. He was Delta, along with a ton of other stuff. He also ran personal protection for General Schwarzkopf in war zones. Go look that cat up. They aren't all jacked. Mike has laid out the biggest and badest people on the planet through a superior mind and tactics.

[@Commander2four]

Here after Special Ops: Lioness 👋

[@the-spy-network]

That's nice! Seems like a pretty interesting movie.

[@skorgevondoom___9571]

These dudes are the inspiration for ghost recon's ghosts

[@xusmico187]

They ARE NOT AGENTS, they are Officers. to save money on retirement, benfits ect, CIA use GRS as contractors. Not actually Agency. Not certified COs but in the fight and should be SAC Officers

[@the-spy-network]

Thanks for the clarification 👌

[@AM-KX]

That's "sorta right' - GRS fall under the Director of Security / Admin and stands for Global Response Staff. This video focused on SAC (SAD) which falls under the Ops directorate - totally separate. Case officers also fall under the Ops Directorate but again, different job that SAC has. Contractors are green badged and staff are blue (full time fed employees). Both GRS and SAD use contractors. Hope that clears the water up.

[@stammercane2427]

@@AM-KX can confirm what you've stated directly from someone who was GRS.

[@junipercreekranch9791]

😢I still think of Johnny Spann often.

[@dailygiftsforever]

Nothing compares to being a mercenary... all on you, no support. That is the most elite in category... bar none.

[@the-spy-network]

I believe these men are trained to also be on themselves and the government will use plausible deniability when caught.

[@hahdnsnaxhjajxbx7840]

Opratives description sounds like it describes my GTA character

[@the-spy-network]

😂

[@hoffenwurdig1356]

Regarding the Kurdish Peshmerga, which translates to "those who face death", I firmly believe they would never consent to be led by anyone who is not a member of their own group. Individuals embedded in a tribal structure risk their influence, resources, marriage prospects, prestige, and safety if it becomes too apparent they seem to be yielding to an outsider's command. While it may be possible to guide or advise the Peshmerga, or even direct them under certain conditions, any attempt by a foreigner to control them could lead to very bad consequences. The outsider would ostracized or might not even survive their mistake.

[@jcminvestments9078]

Keeping Americans freedom is our main priority

[@natebestwick5807]

Do they recuit delta

[@the-spy-network]

That's highly likely.

[@estebancrespo7084]

​@@the-spy-network Why not seals? Greeting from Argentina

[@RufGaming55]

Damn got the whole script right off the wiki that’s wild

[@the-spy-network]

Another person who claims this and doesn't know what he's talking about :). Please refer me to the countless videos, articles and blog posts about this unit. And oh, let me guess, you were in it and this video is total bs? Gotcha.

[@GABRIELADAWSON]

The S.A.D is the team that SAM FISHER & SOLID SNAKE were apart of lol.

[@stolly27]

the sad has the support of the unit and seal team six. They also recruit from them and the rest of the tier 1 units.

[@annehersey9895]

They are the group that is in charge of Wet Work!

[@carycoller3140]

They should be a Tier Zero unit, since no one wants to officially recognize them. I'm officially calling for a new tier. Tier Zero.

[@EasilyCringed]

0:44 images of possible SAC Members

[@the-spy-network]

Wellll... no. But we often need to resort to stock footage since SAD/SAC members do not go around posting selfies on ops.. for obvious reasons.

[@mickkruger]

Shadiness of all shadiness

[@the-spy-network]

Indeed!

[@jameshayes9932]

I can tell you by experience. Most if the people in SAD..aren't aware of it.

[@the-spy-network]

Most people from SAD aren't aware their in SAD? How does that work?

[@jameshayes9932]

@the-spy-network it's simple. You pull people from military units. Assign them temporarily and put them on missions. At best they will think it's a joint mission or some Generals bullshit idea. That way. If they are captured or tortured..they can't tell you the real truth. Only what they know.

[@the-spy-network]

But there's a selection and training course for this unit, I can't imagine that they sign up and not know what's going on.

[@POVDEAD]

Biden would send out the SAG to get him some chocolate chocolate chip ice cream :)

[@the-spy-network]

U know.. at this point I would not be surprised.

[@DixieBanjo]

So pretty much the Delta of Delta

[@tannerjohnson3659]

Genuine question why not just use military?

[@the-spy-network]

Bureaucracy, rules, no plausible deniability. Using the military is also a geopolitical statement and can be seem as aggression.

[@tannerjohnson3659]

@@the-spy-network world it be possible for a state trooper reach this or could they potentially reach fbi hrt?

[@EasilyCringed]

You should've incorporated some clips of Blackwater (yes i know they arent the same) i just think it would've looked cool

[@the-spy-network]

The problem is with doing that that most people would comment :'you've used footage of Blackwater in your video, That's very inaccurate'. 😂

[@EasilyCringed]

@@the-spy-network true

[@vincentvalerio915]

Sog sac wow the cia is creative lol

[@the-spy-network]

Hehe 😂

[@sunriseboy4837]

'...some of the most highly trained, and versatile operatives'; read Assassins!

[@the-spy-network]

I've tried hard to make it less obvious 😂🤙🏼

[@sunriseboy4837]

@@the-spy-network Yeah.🤣🤣

[@MOONSUN4Life]

6:53 "This is detrimental in the life or death situations these operatives get into, probably numerous times, in their careers." I think you meant "essential" rather than "detrimental", seeing as detrimental means "causing harm or damage"... That little mishap aside, this is a very interesting video!

[@the-spy-network]

My bad, English is not my native language and I thought that 'detrimental' meant to be of 'great value'. Thanks a lot!

[@CityColourr]

@@the-spy-network oh what?! Dude you speak incredibly well for someone whose primary language isn't English! That's awesome

[@kevinsteel7875]

Party in the CIA by Weird Al Yankovic comes to mind. Serious black bag badass shit. Scary stuff.

[@the-spy-network]

💯

[@cellar4763]

Could marsoc raiders apply for cia sog units?

[@the-spy-network]

Not really sure, they do most of their recruitment out of Tier 1 units suppossedly, but if a helicopter mechanic can become a Delta Force operator, I think anything is possible!

[@johnnyfryar]

Yes, absolutely. Force Recon Marines as well.

[@zerofrindz]

Not smart enough...just kidding..

[@AnthonyLauder]

I dated, briefly, a woman who worked for these folks. Her job was, in my opinion, completely immoral. She was involved in propaganda, where she would pretend to be a news reporter, would go to some remote mountain village in some country and show them faked film footage of their own government plotting to steal their land or imprison them. This would stir up an angry crowd, who she would film chanting anti-government slogans and waving weapons. Then she would release this "news footage" of tribal unrest and a plot to overthrow the government. It would create instability in the region, which the US could then exploit. Surprisingly, this woman was quite gentle in person, and if you met her you would imagine her leading a joga class or cooking vegan food, rather than stirring up revolutions. We did not see eye-to-eye, and we broke up after just a couple of months.

[@the-spy-network]

🫣

[@Ramen22443]

This is all true I myself was a SAD operator I don’t even remember who I am

[@the-spy-network]

Oh my god, it's Jason Bourne.

[@orsotheshadowqueer7424]

I heard they make them legit SAD officers to serve as a cover for who they really are and what they are really used for.

[@sgtcojonez]

Paramilitary Operations Officer

[@xusmico187]

THEY ARE NOT AGENTS.. fully trained and FTC certified Operations OFFICERS.

[@the-spy-network]

Your right! I mixed the words up a few times throughout the script.

[@elgoog7830]

Want to see some bad mofo's? Do one on the French foreign legion. If I was more keen and naturally reliant on the lands around me, I would have heavily considered joining. Some seriously awesome skills and stamina to be learned through there.

[@the-spy-network]

They are badass indeed. 🤙🏼

[@AhmedEssam-cc8ef]

Is the grs better than them ?

[@the-spy-network]

Both have specialties and specific tasks and missions. No saying which is better, we have too little info for that.

[@joesgotya9930]

GRS is like secret service but their principles are CIA case officers instead of politicians. Lol

[@Starbuck8008]

Everyone gangsta until SAD shows up...

[@the-spy-network]

Exactly!

[@darkwarriormaster9644]

"Development, testing, and covert collection of new personnel". Does that mean the Armor and Special Programs Branch handles recruiting and training new Paramilitary Operations Officers and Specialized Skills Officers? Also, wasn't Jason Bourne part of the SAD?

[@the-spy-network]

I'm not certain it is, but could be the case indeed. Not sure what Jason Bourne was attached to, but I would not be surprised as this whole unit comes off as real life Jason Bourne's to me.

[@jeffshackleford3152]

Matt Damon is a member of the even more secret project treadstone. Ant Man is also a member of that project as well.

[@darkwarriormaster9644]

@@jeffshackleford3152 Ant-Man?

[@roberttravers5286]

TY Lt Col North

[@tehmtbz]

You might be interested to know, SERE is an acronym, and pronounced "sear".

[@the-spy-network]

I understand, but many people who watch the video don't. :)

[@tehmtbz]

@@the-spy-network Roger. Pretty well informed mini docu. Think I forgot to subscribe but I'll do that now! Thanks for the reply bud.

[@the-spy-network]

That's awesome. Thank you :)

[@Adrianlovesmusic]

SAD is a better name than the other one

[@charlesvire7517]

Hello 👋

[@the-spy-network]

Hey!

[@McCarthy1776]

This is actually insane to think about, I remember how tough regular Army infantry training was and Army and marine infantrymen are easily tougher than over 99% of Americas population. Up until the last decade even non-combat MoS military guys were towards the top of the toughest men in America and infantry guys even tougher. Then with that being said most infantry guys will fail out of Tier 2 selections (Rangers, Green Beret, regular SEALs...) and a few more still will fail out of the schools after selection. Then only the best of the best of tier 2 make it to tier one. Delta will try out 100 mostly tier 2 guys twice a year and sometimes only 1 or 2 are selected, I've heard some cycles select 0. Then the CIA takes from Tier 1 and a little from highly qualified tier 2 and then trains them up even more with a wider variation of skills. They are practically Avengers at this point.

[@the-spy-network]

I think this is the best summary I've read so far. 😄 crazy to think how much sacrifice it takes to get at that level, both physically and mentally. Not to even start about the personal sacrifices.

[@BobF510]

This is profound content. I found a book with related content that really made me think. "The Hidden Empire: Inside the Private Worlds of Elite CEOs" by Adam Skylight

[@the-spy-network]

Yeah.. The hidden and private stuff that goes on where we as 'normal' people don't know about... It will blow our minds

[@lewieanderson6579]

Wonder where these guys were in the runup to september 2001...

[@the-spy-network]

'Don't say it.. DON'T say itttt!....'

[@stammercane2427]

Great content! Very well produced! can you do something on the Global Response Staff? I'm assuming they're part of ground branch. RIP SGT ROB "CREATURE" BUDRICK #USARMY #1SFG #PMO #CONTRACTOR #TBI #22ADAY

[@the-spy-network]

Thank you! Will certainly take that in to account, lot's of stuff in the pipeline :)

[@stammercane2427]

@the-spy-network appreciate it. I understand a little of what my cousin Robs role was w the agency, but he couldn't speak much of it. Since taking his life I have been down numerous rabbit holes of the PMO work.

[@the-spy-network]

That's tough. Going down those rabbit holes usually brings up more questions than it answers. Stay safe 🤙🏼

[@robsmith1975]

Fantastic video!

[@the-spy-network]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@mikegeary8056]

These guys are assassins for bankers.

[@the-spy-network]

👀

[@j4genius961]

And then the US wants to complain about Wagner...God knows what their own paramilitary units do all over the world smh

[@the-spy-network]

That's the narrative for almost anything...

[@FranklinBurrus]

am I hearing a Texas accent?

[@the-spy-network]

The one speaking is from Texas, if I'm not mistaking 😁 think it fits?

[@PedroLopez-eo4vl]

Thank you for your operations manner

[@the-spy-network]

Thank you :)

[@Bravefit]

Had a friend retire from ground branch and all he said is that the CQB skills of this unit is twice as good as delta or devgru

[@the-spy-network]

I can totally imagine.. to be Delta or Devgru is to be on an insane high level of craftmanship. Presumably this is even a level above that.

[@tylerdurden1923]

How can you be more capable than delta... sounds a bit hyped dont you think?

[@brimac58]

Not true.

[@debraoroark49]

they are all former tier one operators and often offered better pay and just “retire” in their prime to make the transition. Then they get more training and unlimited mission budget. Makes sense they’d be even more efficient/lethal.

[@the-spy-network]

@@tylerdurden1923 CAG and DEVGRU still operate within the limits of their branches.. CIA does things differently.

[@SweetSpot909]

Just think of Jason Bourne. The character from the movie was part of a rogue program that that involved operators from this program. Essentially there are no rules of engagement and there is no connection to the US government.

[@the-spy-network]

Exactly

[@carycoller3140]

While I 100% support the need for this type of unit, I 100% disagree with any form of "dis-avowing" them if they are killed or captured. If they represent us, they should not be left out in the cold, unless they have truly gone rogue.

[@the-spy-network]

Plausible deniability seems to be the governments biggest asset in this case. You are doing gods work if you ask them, except for when you get caught, they'll throw their hands in the air and deny it all. Seems unfair indeed.

[@-o-light8863]

@@the-spy-network doing God's work requires true commitment, either you go all the way in or don't step into the cage

[@alrobles313]

Their work could trigger major wars like inWith russia or china if caught so probably the reason for this autonomy

[@carycoller3140]

@alrobles313 I understand why, I just don't agree with it. That disavowing stuff should be left to movies, not real life.

[@totalsecurityursus]

I willingly 'signed away' my real life, fully knowing, and having seen the 'death letter' to my Mom which stated to the effect "We regret to inform you that your son was critically injured during a routine training accident during TDY and unfortunately, the remains were unrecoverable..." But I did not enlist a few days after I turned 17 to be In the Rear, with the Gear. Indeed, almost no one in the Army knew WTF I was really doing.

[@russelllieberman1441]

Some of these types of videos have the hardest to listen to voice, I thought the voice was perfect in this video, without sounding too serious, or too silly

[@the-spy-network]

I appreciate it! That's great feedback and I 'm glad you point that out :).

[@patchysdude]

Wtf is "operation freedom"? And then you also say a "S-E-R-E course". No one says it like that. These inaccuracies make me question what else you messed up.

[@the-spy-network]

Operation enduring freedom can be Googled. SERE is spelled out since not all people are, like you, seasoned special operators that would immediately understand what the VO is talking about.

[@patchysdude]

@@the-spy-network @9:00 you said "operation freedom", not "operation enduring freedom". Also you can say SERE and have visuals since this is a video showing it spelled out. Do you have Navy S-E-A-L-S? No, you say Navy Seals and then explain why its named that. inaccuracies are inaccuracies...

[@the-spy-network]

'Operation freedom' is my mistake. Didnt occur to make and that's sloppy. Thanks for letting me know. On the other hand, it seems like you are a professional video editor and script writer. Maybe you should do something with that :). Take care!