The ISA: The Highly Secretive Unit Of Elite Soldier Spies

The ISA: The Highly Secretive Unit Of Elite Soldier Spies
In this video, we'll learn about the ISA, the highly secretive unit of soldier spies. We'll learn about their duties and responsibilities, and what makes them such an important part of the military.
If you're curious about what these soldiers do and who they are, then this video is for you. We'll look at their important role in army intelligence and their operations. By the end of this video, you'll have a better understanding of what makes the ISA so special, and how they remain so secretive.
Special Forces
Delta Force
Airborne Special Forces
Intelligence Support Activity
Army
Super soldiers
Elite special forces
Seal Team Six
Elite of the elite
Most secretive units in the Military
For more in depth information, check out the article of Grey Dynamics: greydynamics.c... or this Military Wiki page: military-histo...

[@the-spy-network]

Did you know of the existence of this unit?

[@augl2702]

I very recently learned of this unit, I was searching about different DEVGRU Ops and came across the ISA. This was a lot of information I wasn't aware about, there really isn't a whole lot out there. These are the real deal Black Ops.

[@the-spy-network]

@@augl2702 it really is interesting to see that the 'known' elite special forces seem to be assisted by some more secretive and elite guys. Hope it was interesting to watch!

[@JohnWick-hb3ft]

@@the-spy-network Erick Miyares..check him out.

[@greenstash]

shhhh xray

[@KingTiger10588]

Yeah, because of the "Metal Gear Solid" series 😌

[@joesgotya9930]

In Iraq 2005-06, these guys went into the cities under cover, dressd as local Iraqis and they pinpointed the internet cafes where many fighting age males would hang out and pass messages to each other. The ISA operatives covertly installed special software in the lounging areas that could tap into the insurgents cellular devices or any electronics being used. This allowed the ISA to construct a network of the insurgent hierarchy, and map out patterns of behavior and movement of Al Qeada in Mesopotamia. This intelligence would eventually lead to the spiritual adviser Sheikh Abu Abdul-Rahman, who was ultimately tracked by UAV ISR, and lead US SOF to the safe house of Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, the most wanted terrorist in the world just behind Usama Bin Laden. Zarqawi was killed in a air strike and his body collected by Army Delta Force operators.

[@the-spy-network]

That's insane.. and although they shy away from public attention.. their work should be known throughout the world, as it is a showcase of how capable and professional they are. Yet again, it's their nature to stay hidden and on the background.

[@LIONTRIBEACTUAL]

@@the-spy-network There are several historical examples of operations that I promise you, the UFO thing will be fully disclosed… before the consideration to even discuss opening up files from the fort will take place. 🦅⚔️♣️

[@Lukyan]

Is their a source for this info?

[@joesgotya9930]

@@Lukyan .. Relentless Strike by Sean Naylor is your Bible on JSOC my friend. Read it, you’ll thank me later

[@MarcSherwood]

@@the-spy-network The only catch is that the more people "know" about these units/tactics, the more they look for them. I'm sure that in a decade we will see some wild information about their work/missions like we now have shows about the SAS and other SpecOps.

[@hwypilot1]

Gotta love all these guys in the comments section talking about how they "worked with ISA"....yeah buddy, sure. And now you're revealing this in the comments section of KZbin 👌

[@the-spy-network]

💀

[@sk8-mz2qs]

Finally a comment I can like. Oh wait, let me go talk to that special squirrel.

[@ronmexico1164]

There is a good chance random grunts in Afghanistan 02-05 have met a Tier 1 guy without noticing, and only now put it together.

[@tonyaviles5308]

If they are telling the truth it’s not illegal as long as they don’t break OP SEC still I highly doubt any ISA member would comment on anything here.

[@James_Edward59]

@@ronmexico1164Yes possibly came across a CAG guy or Development Guy or Team that stood out to them however they wouldn’t have any idea if they came across an ISA guy.

[@roderickgful]

My dad was an OG 30 year Spec Operator. I never knew what he did until he passed. I just knew he was a Green Beret. He was in what was at the time, and years afterwards the two most secretive units in US history. I’m sure most here have heard of them now. MACVSOG & Det-A Berlin-Bad Tolz. The latter was the precursor to Beckwiths Delta . During his time he was also involved in “Project Omega & Phoenix”. Omega was absorbed into SOG. Phoenix….🤷‍♂️ Who knows, still probably around but under different guise. Dad was a linguistics specialist/intel/Lt weapons. Think his “role” in Det-A was as a “stay behind”. Also, never issued a uniform while in Berlin. A belated well wish for a great Veterans Day! 🙏💜🙏

[@the-spy-network]

Thank you so much for sharing this story. Sounds like you're father was a badass! You've did some research yourself and learnt this whole new side of your father. Hope you can give it a place in your life and take care!

[@mobsquad7805]

What ODA was your pops??

[@roderickgful]

@@mobsquad7805 thats one of the holes in dads records. I have a massive box of his records, photos, awards, etc. I’d love to zero in on such things. Any advice on how & where to find such info? There’s one guy who served with dad a lot. From Okinawa to Greece, etc named Jerry Webler, maybe he can shed some light. Sadly , most of his contemporaries have passed. Thanks!

[@springbloom5940]

My mom's brother was MAC-V. He had a bad jump accident in Vietnam, was in the hospital for over a month and rotated back to the states as a SF instructor. Except... didn't find out until years later, he actually got shot up taking down an enemy machinegun. He told his family it was a training accident, because he didn't want them to know he got shot.

[@michaelscott33]

My GP served in both of the units you mention. He had a card which was the only thing he had that could identify him as friendly in Germany. This card did not give any information, it was just known that if you’re shown this card, don’t ask any questions and they’re friendliest.

[@vicentegomez5938]

great special unit, one of their most recent missions was in the assassination of Ayman al-Zawahiri, a few operators remained close to the target at all times without being detected , truly an exceptional unit and it's great to think that we know little about it.

[@the-spy-network]

That was my exact thought, this unit is really interesting to make a video about! Thanks for watching and indeed, they seem like a remarkable group of special operators.

[@ChicagoScorpion]

Pretty cool they were in Afghanistan undercover as one of the locals presumably to keep tabs on Zawahiri.

[@sonnysantana5454]

@@Org80 , w o w when were you born , delta's was formed in the mid to late 70's and it's existence was always public knowledge their coming out party was operation eagal claw / rice bowl way back in 79' where it turned into a Chinese fire drill because of bad weather conditions and no operational cohesiveness between the air element and ground assets and other factors hence the birth of = the Special operations command

[@zachariah9739]

I first read about the ISA in Mark Bowden’s book, “Killing Pablo” sometime around 2001-2002. I believe they operated under the cover of the name Centra Spike at the time. Complete studs in every sense of the word, but very hard to nail down any specific information (as it should be). I later had opportunity to work alongside some guys from a unit very similar (as well as some from the unit) in Iraq in 2004 and 2006. Can’t say enough good things about them, consummate professionals.

[@the-spy-network]

Thank you for your service and seems like an absolute unreal experience to work with them. 👌🤙🏼

[@GH-tp6vu]

Yes they did in conjuction with a Columbian police unit. It was a sniper from the unit who took the first shot from about 50 yards across the street, hit Escobar in the upper torso. .

[@Za7a7aZ]

Now I know what special forces unit to mention when Don Shipley can not find my name on the BUDS training class list. Probably have to convince him with my non-existent DD-215.

[@the-spy-network]

Lol 😂

[@azazel21379]

Wow,I was in the Army, and I new all about Ranger school, RIP/RASP now,didn't go to that school, but had friends that went to SF selection, my dad was 5th group SF during Vietnam, 1 friend went to sniper school, I met few guys going threw AFSOC pipelines at Benning, jump school, had a guy that lived down my block, who became a PJ,new one Seal, but I never even heard about this group, until recently.

[@the-spy-network]

It is a really unknown unit which is hailed in secrecy. They usually change names every so often to add to the confusion. We can only imagine the tough ops they do on a regular basis.

[@mr.zesozadfrack7790]

@Jahxe What year?

[@mr.zesozadfrack7790]

@Jahxe Oh, you a youngin. '89

[@mr.zesozadfrack7790]

@Jahxe Lol

[@gbody2617]

​@jahxe8937

[@Gcock]

Army of Northern Virginia FYI Teir 1 is simply a financial code. This is a Special Mission Unit (SMU)

[@the-spy-network]

👌

[@Monestary_Warrior]

I worked along side the “ISA” in the Philippines. During the build up of the Islamic State there. They serve in many different roles. Oftentimes there is a DEA/FBI liaison attached to the group.

[@the-spy-network]

That's some interesting insights! Why is there a DEA/FBI liaison attached?

[@va1hk]

@@the-spy-network With the ISA gathering intelligence, I would assume the liaison would then be using and investigating with said intelligence

[@the-spy-network]

I was under the assumption that the ISA wanted to conduct their own intelligence gathering, also outside of the scope of the FBI and DEA, but on a second thought, they could use that intel for their investigations without interfering or the ISA being dependent on them.

[@Monestary_Warrior]

@@the-spy-network my understanding was the ISIS and Abu-Sayyaf terrorist organizations were highly involved in drug trafficking and selling precursor drug agents for profit to fund their operations.

[@the-spy-network]

Makes sense to have those specific liaisons on board indeed. Thank you for your service! Hope you enjoyed the video.

[@CRebel-by9fb]

Do one on the Special Collection Service. From what I’ve read they’re essentially actual Splinter cell agents.

[@the-spy-network]

That sounds interesting. Will definitely check that out! Thank you :)

[@panama2468]

Is that different from Special Activities Divusion of the CIA?

[@CRebel-by9fb]

@@panama2468 Yes, the SCS are dedicated spies.

[@lukehillland]

@@panama2468 Yep.

[@LS-sx5qo]

​@@panama2468Basically they seem to be a CIA and NSA joint project with the task to wire tap foreign goverment buildings, politicians and other high ranking officials.

[@scrombled8627]

Just binged some of your stuff, and honestly these are some great content, I hope you keep going with this

[@the-spy-network]

I'm certainly planning on it! I'm very glad you liked it, appreciate it :).

[@ziggamon]

Think of these guys as the batman paradox. You know about Batman (DEVGRU, etc) but who built the Bat Cave and the Batmobile? (ISA)

[@the-spy-network]

I think you have a point, somehow :)

[@leviblanchard7437]

Really well done video on a unit most people don't even know exists. Nice.

[@the-spy-network]

I am glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to comment! Appreciate it.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

There are novels that mention Grey Fox. It's also called Task Force Orange.

[@arthurschott399]

Thank you for keeping America safer,GodBless,brother art😊

[@michaelpino3185]

Thanks for the men and women who made the Seal team teams out there

[@yourmother1631]

The only unit that is secret is the unit we don't know about...and has no name.....scary stuff to think about.

[@the-spy-network]

Crazy right? There are probably even more badass units we will never know about and rightfully so. Us enthousiasts want to know and they do all they can to remain secret.

[@cazjosh]

Yup! think about this...whats the name of secret intelligence group of China?

[@Well-thatmakessense]

Sounds like all those your mom jokes I've heard are right 👍

[@the-spy-network]

I think they are referred to as the MSS. The Ministry Of State Security

[@deedboby1240]

100% this, right here.

[@brianb8003]

I got introduced to ISA by a graphic novel called The Activity in 2012. It was a great series. I started researching to see if it was real, and sure enough! I've read about them ever since. It's an amazing unit.

[@the-spy-network]

Most definitely!

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

The non fiction book: Task Force Orange 📚 explains a lot. ISA is impressive.

[@uriamudeltoro5075]

Still waiting for the follow up to the graphic novel....

[@SpyderSuasponte]

The activity aka grey fox. Great group.

[@DGenXer]

Man these dudes are them people!! Nothing towards RRD , MARINE FORCE RECON and all of those other DOD clandestine elements. But these folks do it!! Much respect to yall fellas stay safe out there.

[@the-spy-network]

Totally agree! 🙌🏼

[@enyskept]

This unit provides Special Reconnaissance and Special Signals Capabilities for JSOC Tier 1 organizations.

[@morallybankrupt1461]

Thought I knew it all, thank you for teaching me something new.

[@the-spy-network]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@johnrodriguez3870]

I, John Rodriguez, AM Prior Service USMC and US Army ( 1987-1998, w/ 1 Year and 4 Months in the Army National Guard ( ARNG) and US Army Reserve ( USAR) ), and , I NEVER, EVER, even heard of the Intelligence Support Activity ( ISA , Gray 🦊, Office of Military Support) ,until I was out of Active Federal Military Service ( AFMS)!!🇺🇸🦅📜🗽🗡️🛡️

[@the-spy-network]

Thank you for your service!

[@CDNR711]

The ISA is JSOCs intelligence collection/DA unit, not the nsa.

[@the-spy-network]

It's not a DA unit.. it's predominantly a signals intelligence unit that needs to be able to defend themselves if needed.

[@OR_Wolfhunter]

@@the-spy-networkThere is actually DA teams inside of the unit contrary to what all these know it all 14 year olds and old fart 60 year olds believe. The unit was formed to be self sufficient, just like how CAG is

[@enyskept]

It is not a DA unit; they are, however, trying really hard to stand up a limited DA Capability.

[@BigDonKedick]

I encourage anyone who hasn’t listened to Erik Miyarnes to look up the podcast he’s interviewed on (forgot who’s podcast it was.) he talks about hitting the correct target and while they had him outside they put a bug in his phone, closed the phone back up, then walked out and acted like they had the wrong guy then walked away lol. They obviously left and got a bunch of intel on the guy and whoever else he runs with. Geniuses of the tier 1 units.

[@the-spy-network]

I will try to find it, sounds very interesting!

[@Bubbly_pen]

The Team House.

[@Fathadrip]

I really love this ominous music you used

[@the-spy-network]

Thank you!

[@ericb.4358]

Army's Delta Force also does do "pooping and snooping" intelligence work. Since the ISA grew out of NSA's ("No Such Agency") tactical group it is highly likely they are still within NSA's budget and direction.

[@the-spy-network]

I thought they were not related to any of the 3-letter agencies, and that was their purpose for existence as well. The Department of Defense had trouble with relying on the CIA and NSA for intel, that was why they made their own. But it's very likely that tier1 units will do some of their own intel as well, indeed.

[@HolyWarrior1]

@@the-spy-networkthe NSA is an Agency within the Department of Defense. The NSA is Military.

[@ruppertb320]

@@the-spy-network ISA/USASED/TF Orange was under INSCOM, but has since moved to JSOC. NSA/CSS is a strange entity under DOD. Either way, NSA runs most backend Intel for JSOC. SMUs are meant to be very quiet and on mission under very compartmented parameters.

[@carlosbarraza6769]

These dudes are machines and they are the real task force 141 😎

[@the-spy-network]

No question about it!

[@Goc4ever]

Agree😎

[@sk8-mz2qs]

I promise you wouldn't even know their true task force number.

[@carlosbarraza6769]

@@sk8-mz2qs no doubt

[@grateful345ibieszczat4]

Gold< silver and other valuables do not disappear when taken with time command equipment around me. making duplicates of valuable commodities and technologies which are functionally the same as their originals.

[@egg5064]

Intelligence is the Heart of every Ops; you'll understand this once you're in the service 😊

[@scsmith4604]

My vote for the next name they go by is Blue Porcupine or Black Peacock. In all seriousness very good video.

[@the-spy-network]

Yeah, as if they use a random name generator with the 'color' and 'animal' boxes checked 😁. Thanks a lot! Appreciate it.

[@NeuroticLobster]

The Black Peacocks could just be shortened to Black Cocks

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks

[@SpyderSuasponte]

I met them first in the Mog with TF Ranger. Later I worked with them.

[@sk8-mz2qs]

Always that one person who "worked" with them.

[@Child_Of_Whoa]

You blew the lid off. Now you gotta worry about Steven Seagal.

[@the-spy-network]

Ah shiiiiiit...

[@upchu005]

TFO also played a huge part in tracking down Pablo Escobar in Colombia.

[@the-spy-network]

Got a video on it as well!

[@Mack_Dingo]

'Track a cellphone, even when off.' Terrifying!!

[@the-spy-network]

Yep.. it really is.

[@sk8-mz2qs]

Happens here in this country all the time.

[@johnkamot3237]

Do a video on the 24th STS's black team! Thats their low visibility team that does missions like this for jsoc ⚡

[@the-spy-network]

I have made a video just recently about the 24th STS. You can look it up on my channel :).

[@enyskept]

You mean the 24th STS “Grey” element.

[@sangbeom6245]

​@@enyskeptone of my roommates in college was cyber warfare and worked with them.

[@Sirius-me5zy]

The intelligent of the intelligent of the intelligent, very intelligent

[@marksanderson-md7vh]

All i knew about these guy's was, when iraq was devided up into zones designated different colours. these guys had zone black and worked with the SAS. Who've been experts in blending in as locals as far back as the 70's. Its like the saying goes someone wrote the book you once read.

[@juansimon5802]

yea i know about this unit,tfo were the fuck ups of JSOC.hope theyve gotten better

[@auwz66]

Sometimes those who fail selection for units will get the tap because they are a good fit for stuff in places that your average operator will stand out like a sore thumb. Try sending a 200lb, 6ft 4 white male to the far east... its just not going to work. Some units need guys who can go on missions night after night, but the int side of things is almost always softly softly catch the monkey. Which needs people who blend in for weeks, months etc.

[@conormcnamara2273]

I believe this is what the TV series "The Unit" was based on

[@the-spy-network]

That could well be the case indeed..

[@sancfireactual307]

The comments are full of people who think they know but have no clue 😂

[@the-spy-network]

I get some very interesting comments, that's correct 😂

[@alison2161]

Ffs true

[@adingorunsfree1345]

Life in these units warps reality. Great people though.

[@BomChickyBowWow]

So top secret they’re on KZbin. Chilling.

[@the-spy-network]

Thanks for the (optimi)/(sarca)sm :)!

[@MyMagicFunBox]

4:51 - is that Bruce Willis on the left with his crew from “Tears of the Sun”? Sure looks like it to me

[@the-spy-network]

Holy shit.... I lol'd so hard about this. It would've never occurred to me if you hadn't mentioned it.. damn! 😂

[@prodigal1970]

I was interviewed by these guys at Bagram Afghanistan in October 2003. The Army MSG called themselves TF Orange when I asked their designation. That's why I clicked on this video after looking at the preview on my phone. Those days my team and I were tracking HVTs all over the country. I even went so far as to get a guy into Pakistan to confirm the location of a certain HVT, only to have the pencil pushers put the kabosh on the mission as I didn't have authorization for cross border ops...yet. that's how I initially ran into the group when I reported to Bagram and they got wind of my intel and so forth.

[@the-spy-network]

A thing that I really like about these videos is that people share their stories and the recollection of memories because of it. Sounds like a great career you had there. Thank you for your service and all the best!

[@williamrommel9040]

I interviewed with them at fort Bragg after returning from Iraq.

[@sk8-mz2qs]

You are full of it. You may have been interviewed but definitely not by this group or even a few other groups. They would not have been wearing rank, name tapes or branch of service. Possibly the only identifier would have been the American Flag patch. That's it. Love how so many people conceive that they talked to some "special" person. Oh yeah, you ran a source to only tell us too right? Come on man. That hasn't even been declassed yet if true. OPSEC always disliked your kind that were so willing to talk.

[@C-24-Brandan]

It's another tier 1 army unit based in Virginia

[@enyskept]

This unit provides Special Reconnaissance and Special Signals Capabilities for JSOC Tier 1 organizations.

[@jdoc6957]

Yep, super big super super secret deal

[@GrimsGhostG59]

Finally a good video I been looking for

[@the-spy-network]

Glad you like it!

[@imjoekang]

We know who they were, and we will never know who they are.

[@the-spy-network]

Especially that last part.

[@bartearsman9017]

Read a book about these guys . . .it's called " Killer Elite " ... nothing to do with the movie of the same name , that movie is based on another book called " The Feather Men ".

[@the-spy-network]

Thanks! Will check it out!

[@sk8-mz2qs]

No need to read those types of books. Just read Clancy and you get more out of it.

[@user-rd5nc1nb9f]

damn he really used a picture from the seal team series i like it 4:56

[@the-spy-network]

We call them easter eggs 😜

[@defrabe1]

What's the series?

[@larryroben1683]

GOD *** THE AUTHORITY AND CREATOR ****

[@Jarod-te2bi]

Isn’t this the unit the main character MCCall used to be part of in the Equalizer?

[@the-spy-network]

Not sure! That hasn't occurred to me actually.

[@enyskept]

McCall was a DIA Operative.

[@oof9952]

The Real Fox hound boys love that their nickname was Grey Fox

[@NotOnDrugs]

The raid part is so wrong. The Delta guy that was on the mission talks all about it. They captured someone close to him, which lead them to his chefs house. Then, while they were right there, the guy finally gave up the info. Then, they searched the farm, moved some shit & he had his hands up waiting for them to pull him out.

[@the-spy-network]

I guess we will never know for sure. There are different stories that all had the same outcome.

[@joesgotya9930]

I tend to agree with you, but if there was a SIGINT related platform used to find him, I doubt anyone involved would be able to disclose that information.

[@buchan448]

Cool vid and channel have subbed and pressed the bell, hello from Scotland

[@the-spy-network]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for the sub :).

[@davematthews3534]

Check out the British SRR,14 INT or 22Reg. They basically did all this from the get go and have been for decades

[@the-spy-network]

British SRR is on my list :)

[@joesgotya9930]

Lol The SRR was conceived in 2005-06 and that organization was based on the American ISA. This is well documented by Former UK Intelligence Corp Officer Micheal Smith in his book “Killer Elite”.. So no, you lot have not been doing this for decades.. AFO didn’t even become a full time dedicated role until the late 90s and that’s the bread and butter of these Units. The MRF and later 14 Det in Northern Ireland were a completely different thing with a different mission. Sorry, but you have no clue what you’re talking about

[@davematthews3534]

@Joes GotYa and where do u think senior SNCO's and officers came from and the training know how? Just because a unit, battalion etc is renamed or made, it doesn't mean the core structure doesn't/hasn't come other units. The SRR was named so because they do jobs all over the world, not just NI anymore.

[@davematthews3534]

@Joes GotYa also, many battalions unofficially had COP's and don't forget maxmis during the cold War

[@davematthews3534]

@@joesgotya9930 sorry, typo, I meant BRIXMAS

[@colinmackay92]

So these guys or the Special Activities Center are basically the closest thing to real world 3rd Eshelon Sam Fisher type guys. It's crazy to think about what these teams have done over the years. What crazy Wars may have been stopped or terrorist threats that no longer exist because of these groups. And we'll never know about any of it. And I'm sure there are other totally nameless groups that are even more secretive out there.

[@the-spy-network]

The last part of your comment worries me even more. These are the groups and units that we know, imagine the ones not made public yet. But indeed, their work goes unnoticed and they'll never get cheered on for it.

[@adnfulcrum]

You threw away every sense of seriousness when you put a photo of the cast of tears of the sun…. It went well so far for ***** sakes

[@the-spy-network]

Well.. the difficulty is that the footage is so scarce.

[@adnfulcrum]

@@the-spy-network try harder

[@the-spy-network]

I will film them myself and interview them directly. Should be a pretty trivial task..

[@particularindividual4552]

The long arm of the Zog

[@spiffymagicman7284]

Ahh I remember operation orange butter crayon, what a day...

[@the-spy-network]

Was part of operation Booty Bongo Bonanza, right? Crazy indeed.

[@Blank55600]

Spooks is the best name to give these guys

[@brianredban9393]

Are these guys called the Activity Group ? I read a book it said they were called the Activity delta force intelligence arm

[@the-spy-network]

Not sure.. From my research I've found they are the forward arm for the Rangers, but I wouldn't be surprised if they work closely together with the ISA and make sure the other Tier One SMU's have all the intel they need

[@TheDolphin5588]

Yes. Same thing. ISA = The Activity = Army of Northern Virginia

[@oomarky]

A video dedicated to an ultra top secret American unit using solely British SAS selection and training clips.

[@the-spy-network]

ISA operatives conducting SIGINT is not nearly as entertaining to watch as SF guys clearing houses or selection footage. It is all to illustrate :) ultra top secret also means 'no footage'.

[@oomarky]

Yeah I'm just kidding. Cool video. I'm gonna look up more on this subject. Thanks for sharing 🇬🇧🇺🇸👍

[@the-spy-network]

Haha I lol'd since there is some truth to it.. 😅 thank you for watching!

[@chrislucas742]

Got it in one - what a waste of time this guy is!

[@sendit2873]

Delta and devgru both have isa teams they are not just assaulters they have special intel teams and sometimes single operatives gathering intel you also have AFO which basically the same they are all basically the same team with each having their own part like SAD and SID that work for the cia

[@chrisberrios5857]

1st SFOD-D and DEVGRU do not have ISA teams. The ISA is it’s own unit that does work with both. However 1st SFOD-D and DEVGRU have there own intelligence squadrons which I believe is what you are referring to. 1st SFOD-D has Golf Squadron and DEVGRU has Black Squadron. The CIA has the Special Activities Division. Not sure what SID is though. Singapore has an elite group called SID that is for intelligence.

[@clintonoh3108]

Can you not spread misinformation?

[@ThriftyCracker]

They have intelligence squads for AFO, which is just prepping short term info for an op, not "ISA" teams. There's a difference from Delta and DEVGRU having AFO squads and the ISA embedding operators undercover in terrorist cells for years. Yes, the ISA does AFO, but that's a very small part of their job and not their main role. The ISA also is the only one with their own military array of vehicles specifically modified to look civilian while having millions of dollars worth of sigint tech in the back. They honestly probably have the largest budget out of all the SMUs because these vehicles are mind boggling advanced and expensive. The things they had in the 80s put sci-fi movies to shame, I can only imagine what they have now. TLDR; Delta/Devgru intelligence squads are more or less just special recce teams. The ISA is more like the CIA as a whole, even having their own SAC or "shooters".

[@joesgotya9930]

@@ThriftyCracker.. yep the ISA is basically JSOCs own CIA SAC.. That was the original motive in creating the ISA in the first place, because in the early days there was a lot of tribalism and animosity between the CIA and the Military when it came to sharing intelligence. JSOC wanted a in-house organization within the special operations community that could do all those clandestine trades and roles. Recruit human assets, SIGINT, ISR, run surrogate programs and liaison with other intelligence assets and organizations.

[@sangbeom6245]

Close friend of mine worked ISA detachment in Korea. He was Chinese American and went into North Korea a few times. Past life. I was USAF Nukes. Different worlds but same mission and goal for the USA.

[@tomwareham7944]

They can't be that secret if your making videos about them .and if they're bothered by your exposure , did you ever consider that you might get an unexpected visit early one morning .

[@the-spy-network]

You've seen too many movies. All of what I'm showcasing here is public knowledge. You just need to go out and search for it, or watch my video :).

[@lilnozzmusic]

Well, they're not so secret anymore.

[@the-spy-network]

Still they operate in the shadows and don't seek any form of publicity. For most people this was a secret unit :)

[@r.l.marcelle8665]

I would’ve expected this group to be working directly for DIA.

[@the-spy-network]

Every branch and department gets their intelligence unit these days 😅

[@enyskept]

DIA has more Authorities than this unit.

[@Jarod-te2bi]

You know Hollywood will mark a movie with this unit at some point lurk a character from it.

[@the-spy-network]

It's only a matter of time. All these units fall victim to it 😅

[@xenophone2006]

Only show I can recall an ISA unit being in is the second season of the anime Black Lagoon, where they were tasked to catch a drug lord. I was really surprised they used the ISA in their storyline. These guys have been around a good long time, and very little is out about them, don't think most in Hollywood has ever heard of them. I think they'd rather stick to the known super secret units like Delta, Devgru or whatever.

[@joesgotya9930]

The tv show “Person of Interest”depicts them in a few episodes. One of the characters is a former member of the ISA

[@Ronkushman420]

@@joesgotya9930 I also think the tv series the brave is about them as well the show doesn’t say their name but they refer to them as a special operations group that does a lot of similar activities as the ISA tactical intelligence gathering and time sensitive operations

[@mr_beezlebub3985]

Even with highly trained fighters and intelligence gatherers, we still could not win Afghanistan.

[@the-spy-network]

'Applies water to burnt area'.

[@shawnculpepper4589]

Doesn't matter how highly trained they were when the top brass was constantly throwing them under the bus.

[@jiggy6486]

The only way to win in guerilla warfare: don't participate. Uncooperative locals + enemy that can pick when to engage + motivated fighters = 20+ years of push and pull. The only question now is, can your logistics hold up? The answer is yes, so the US just kept at it 🤷‍♂️

[@samwebb585]

There was a quote from a former British Prime Minister that went something along the lines of "the first rule of politics is 'don't invade Afghanistan.'" Someone else referred to it as the country where "empires go to die."

[@joesgotya9930]

Afghanistan and even Iraq were actually really small pieces of the bigger picture of the GWOT. The overall goal was to cut out the cancer that was Al Qaeda and decimate their growth as a global organization. US and UK Special Operations at one point in the GWOT were in over 120 different countries unilaterally and bilaterally targeting Al Qaeda and its moniker groups like ISIS, Al Saabab, Abu Seyef, Korishan etc

[@Joe4013X]

Do some videos on the Regimental Reconnaissance Company ( RRC ) 75th Ranger

[@the-spy-network]

Will look into that!

[@gbonkers666]

These are the guys who helped track down Escobar in Columbia.

[@the-spy-network]

Yes. I made another video about that :)

[@nevillebartos7421]

I didnt know Bruce Willis was in the ISA!! Lol

[@the-spy-network]

All this time, he was just acting as an actor! What a great cover. 😁

[@moose2143]

Cod Bo2 had ISA going against the Terrorist Faction , as a kid I thot the ISA were just a other US task force or undercover Operators . Now we know

[@the-spy-network]

Glad you learned something 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@Tirah5]

You keep saying, 'Highly Secretive Unit', on youtube to a billion people watching.

[@the-spy-network]

Indeed. Something can be very secretive although millions of people know of their existence. If you do not let anything more leak in to the public domain, you can remain highly secretive.

[@lincolnpascual]

We used to just call all these guys OGA, right? That's what I remember calling them. OGA- Other Government Agency. We didn't need to know who they really were. That was above our pay grade.

[@the-spy-network]

They seem to go by many names and switching frequently!

[@BrianT175]

Generally no. OGA would imply they aren't DoD ie CIA, DEA, FBI, etc.

[@sk8-mz2qs]

Wrong. @@BrianT175

[@SampsonQ]

Can you make a video on the 24 sts?

[@the-spy-network]

Most certainly! We will be covering that in a future video :).

[@GreyDynamics]

If you are gonna rip off our article on this unit, have at least the decency to change the picture!

[@the-spy-network]

Uhm.. your article has definitely been one of the biggest inspirations to make the video, yes. But calling it a rip off is a bit much, don't you think?

[@BruceWSims]

Let's see..... super secretive team whose personnel and missions are covert and unknown. So where do we get the story? Well, on KZbin, of course. Now I want all of you viewers to hold up your right hands and to swear...upon the end of peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches....that you won't breathe a Word of what you just learned. Very good. BTW: I used to work in a super-secret Intelligence unit. How secret was it? Not even "I" knew what I was doing. 😅😅😅😅

[@the-spy-network]

Cool story bro! 👌😁

[@BlackRedEliteStormE4]

I heard these guys in call of duty black ops 2

[@cej3940]

Heard about the ISA about like 3 months ago, but basically grew up looking at special operations and reading about clandestine black ops Growing up watching war footage and consuming any special forces content, I look up so much to vets and special operations personnel and even have gotten blessed to meet a couple online through mutual friends. The idea that even their tip of the spear had a clandestine hand of basically the best and brightest morally black people, made to be forgotten was so amazing to me Yes I was one of the people who was completely enamoured by the Deathwatch Black Shields in Wh40k, just their concept of erasing their identities, ethnic ties and agreeing to die forgotten to do things no other person would dream of doing all in service of their cause is something I was so amazed by and sort of aspired to become similar to Joining the ISA has become my new obsession and long-term goal, while yes I'm still training to join La Legion Etrangere (French Foreign legion) due to personal reasons on top of wanting to join their culture, I view it more now as my means to secure some way to immigrate to the US (I don't have family in the US to get me a greencard :/ ) on top of training myself to become a candidate While closer to the CIA's GRS, France has "Le Service Action" which is their direct action paramilitary group of sorts, I'd say it'd be a worthwhile look I would love to meet an ex-operator and get to talk to them a few times, that would be an amazing day for me I will do anything to get in, anything they ask of me I would do, no matter how much it takes I believe it would be worth it if I ever get to represent their motto: "Send Me"

[@the-spy-network]

Sounds like you are really dedicated and I hope you'll reach every bit of it. Take care and carry on!

[@cej3940]

@@the-spy-network Thank you! I hope to see many more amazing videos from you!

[@the-spy-network]

We're definitely working on that!

[@Arbiter710]

You have to be a US born citizen so your chances are done

[@cej3940]

@@Arbiter710 Not to my knowledge at least, JSOC pulls from the regular special forces much like every other SMU unit While yes, you need citizenship in order to get the security clearance in order to join SF in the first place, provided that you have highly specialized skills that are sought after, you can apply to get sponsored for a green card to join the regular forces to then apply for naturalization/citizenship after 1 year of honourable service While yes, I won't be as young as other candidates, keep in mind that a lot of SMU operators are still in and active well into their 30s (considering that many of the deaths of SMU operatives from the early 2000s to 2019 were aged around their mid 30s) If all things fall through regardless, If I manage to get into the FFL I can still apply for Le 1er RPIMa / French SAS due to them allowing you to apply for french citizenship after at least 3 years of serving (mandatory 5 years) and through that you can also apply for "Le service action" of the DGSE which is France's equivalent of the CIA and their ground branch

[@hplovecraftscat2255]

So that’s who’s been sneaking into my home, stealing my silky man thongs. I just saw big ass rats on my cameras, not thinking anything of it. Now I realize it was full grown ass men in rat suits. Thank you for the information.

[@the-spy-network]

Glad I could help! And Lock those silky pieces of underwear up!

[@thomashawkins6141]

Strength Honor courage

[@darkwarriormaster9644]

Does the ISA also have operators from the other branches or only from the Army?

[@the-spy-network]

Presumably from all branches. Will never know for sure though.

[@Ben-qm9zq]

I get a kick outta all these comments... truth is, u don't want to know who the deepest, darkest operators are or what they do. Even some operatives at that level don't know their at that level. And some...only get one mission

[@ChanceLockhart]

These are the guys that are involved with UAP bases and retrieval. Just fyi.

[@the-spy-network]

👻

[@stevenhicks6660]

Well i guess its not a secret anymore 😳👍

[@Beeensn]

The content is great, but please drop the music or turn down the volume.

[@the-spy-network]

Thank you! Can you watch some of my newer videos and tell me if that's better? I appreciate the feedback!

[@Beeensn]

@@the-spy-network just watched your two newest videos. They are way better! Keep on the great work!

[@the-spy-network]

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it :)

[@KarenTookTheKids364]

There's still units more secretive than the ISA that we don't and probably will never know about.

[@the-spy-network]

Absolutely. Only via government whistleblowers or leaks, new information gets out there.

[@Watchingin09]

MG-Alpha Detachment Group 5 ISA 2000-2023

[@SaltySeabee]

TF Orange/Purple Grey fox/Centra Spike

[@the-spy-network]

You got that right :)

[@Durzo1259]

I'm still not clear, when they almost never fight, why they're called special operations and not just spies.

[@the-spy-network]

Because they are tier 1 and 'America f*ck yeah!'

[@henrygonzalez360]

Because the USA technically doesn't acknowledge the term "Spy" they prefer "Operative", sounds cleaner.🇺🇲

[@deandanielson8950]

So I assume these guys are special special forces the title above special forces

[@the-spy-network]

Special special forces forces

[@bradenbagby4431]

Going into the army at 23 years old. Gonna see how hard i can bust my ass. Enlisting with 35m human intelligence collector so i can get a top secret clearance, 10 weeks basic, then 48 weeks of dli in California to learn Russian, then 20 weeks of ait, then 3 weeks at airborne school and i got fort bragg/liberty on the contract and got a nice 47k bonus for a 6 year contract, gonna be aiming to get my ESB, air assault. But after airborne the main goal is get a 4 year criminal justice degree. If i can make it to ranger regiment that would be awesome if not its fine. But end goal is get as many qualifications and test myself as much as i can and i wanna make it in something like marshal service, dea, fbi or cia, something like that. Where i can use that top secret clearance to my benefit. If your not going infantry or aviation i think the intelligence feild can lead to some of the coolest careers if you move up the ladder. Obviously no gaurntee i make it or even learn the language but you never know if you dont try and give it your all. Wish me luck

[@jjmaguire8281]

I don't know but The Sheriff of Baghdad did missions by himself.... That's secret...

[@the-spy-network]

Must be more like public knowledge if it's being told on YT comments.. right?

[@jjmaguire8281]

@@the-spy-network Yeah I guess you're right, not anymore. I also read somewhere there are no classified people, only classified mission's.

[@tristenthomas7352]

“Gray Fox?!” - solid snake

[@Solonghoney]

2:19 IYKYK 😅

[@YoWassupFresh]

Why this guy sound like he wants revenge on Tony Stark for blowing up his village?

[@the-spy-network]

I LOL'd way harder than I should 😂

[@JackTavern629]

FOG=Forward observations group 🏴;)

[@enyskept]

Field Operations Group

[@JackTavern629]

@enyskept oooooof. Big L for you, brotha. If you know, you know.

[@daleburton3591]

Really, how many special forces units can be "special" when there are so many in one country's military? The UK has SAS and SBS. There are other exceptional fighting regiments including the Royal Marines.

[@the-spy-network]

They all have different violence spectrums in which they operate, as well as have their own capabilities for operations. Just like the Green Berets and the Rangers from the US Army.. but when shit really hits the fan, they'll call DEVGRU or Delta Force.

[@auwz66]

The US do everything on a massive scale. Even their SF guys are produced cookie cutter style. In the UK we do things a bit differently and we also keep things very small. We could, if we wanted have much bigger T1 units. Like you say from the RM alone we have a lot of exceptional guys, plus Pathfinders, the Det etc etc etc. I would say it was in the 90s that the US started to learn from our small units like the Det for example.

[@the-spy-network]

I would argue that that has also something to do with the population of the US vs the UK. The US has quite a bigger population and a different culture surrounding the military, which is why I think more people join the military and why the units tend to be bigger, simply because they have a lot more men and women that volunteer for it.

[@TheDolphin5588]

@@the-spy-network The geopolitical aims of the USG are much broader than any other country, including the UK. We largely hear about Spec Ops in the Middle East (with a smattering of Africa/South America) but @Dale Burton should understand that we have units tasked to many other parts of the world. More missions, more geography, more complex/varied geopolitical aims = need for a larger and varied force that specialize in various mission sets. Also, consider that if a Military Branch has a Shiny Object (i.e. special mission team/unit), another military branch will want its own Shiny Object (I worked in this world for several years)

[@the-spy-network]

@@TheDolphin5588 As far as I understood, several SMU's have came to existence because a branch or specific department wants to be the biggest gorilla on the rock, or however you want to put it. It does make sense and in most case they also find ways to operate together or support each other.

[@Anthony-fp5uf]

Splinter cell blacklist era now aww yea

[@jeffkarvanek1237]

As we as CIA Special Operations ISA,GRS, DSS, state Dept DELTA ,US SEALS ,224th USAF ,😂