Elite Covert Warriors: Inside the CIA’s Ground Branch

In the dead of night, under the stark glow of tracer fire arcing across the Pakistani border, a tense atmosphere hangs heavy. A Ground Branch paramilitary officer, his voice etched with urgency, observes the Afghan Counter-Terrorism Pursuit Teams (CTPTs) engaged in a critical operation.

This scene, from former CIA Case Officer John Smith’s book “Left of Boom,” offers a glimpse into the clandestine world of Ground Branch, the CIA’s elite paramilitary unit.

The Ground Branch forms the backbone of America’s covert operations.

Recruited from the toughest military units – SEALs, Marine Force Recon, Air Force Pararescuemen (PJs), and Delta Force – these warriors operate in the shadows.

Dressed in civilian attire and wielding the most advanced weaponry available, they represent the tip of the spear in the CIA’s covert operations.

A Specialized Unit Within the CIA

Ground Branch is a sub-division of the CIA’s Special Activities Center (SAC), alongside the Air Branch and Maritime Branch.

The SAC is a secretive unit dedicated to covert operations and paramilitary activities that are outside the purview of traditional military forces.

Recruitment

Historically, Ground Branch recruitment heavily favored specific branches of the military.

Initially dominated by Marines known for their adaptability and battlefield prowess, the unit later shifted towards Delta Force veterans, renowned for their expertise in counterterrorism and high-risk operations.

Today, the CIA prioritizes recruiting younger Special Forces sergeants.

This shift reflects a desire for individuals with exceptional combat skills coupled with the potential for a long-term career path within the agency.

The CIA can groom and develop these promising recruits, molding them into specialists capable of handling the complexities of covert operations.

Challenges and Shifting Dynamics

While Ground Branch operators excel in their core tasks – infiltration, direct action, and intelligence gathering – a potential challenge arises.

The Problem with Paramilitary Operations Officers

The CIA Paramilitary Operations Officers (PMOOs) who manage these programs often lack military backgrounds.

This experience gap can lead to inefficiencies in mission planning and a potential disconnect between leadership and operators.

Additionally, PMOOs transitioning from the intensity of warzones to traditional case officer duties may struggle to compete with colleagues who’ve honed those skills throughout their careers.

John Smith highlights a positive trend – PMOOs with prior military experience are increasingly taking the helm.

His friend Rick G., a former Green Beret who transitioned to become a case officer, exemplifies this shift.

Rick’s leadership of the Ground Branch team at his location demonstrates the growing preference for PMOOs with a deep understanding of the operational environment and the challenges faced by their teams.

It’s important to distinguish between ground branch operators (often referred to as contractors) and PMOOs, who are full-fledged CIA officers with extensive training in intelligence gathering and clandestine operations.

Do Ground Branch Operators Need a Degree?

While a college degree can be helpful in certain intelligence roles, Ground Branch prioritizes real-world experience, specialized skill sets, and proven performance under pressure over formal education.

Successful candidates typically come from elite military units, demonstrating the physical and mental fortitude required for these demanding covert operations.

While not mandatory, a degree may be considered alongside other factors during the rigorous assessment and selection process.

Ultimately, the ability to execute missions effectively in high-stakes environments is paramount for success as a Ground Branch operator.

Beyond the Hollywood Image: Covert Action Specialists

Public perception often paints Ground Branch with the high-octane action brushstrokes of video games like Rainbow Six or Splinter Cell. Reality, however, paints a different picture.

How It’s Really Like As a Ground Branch Operator

Ground Branch’s mission closely resembles the unconventional warfare specialty of the Army Green Berets. Both units excel in operating behind enemy lines, training and advising indigenous forces, and conducting unconventional warfare.

The key differentiator lies in Ground Branch’s ability to operate under the CIA’s Title 50 authority. This legal framework grants them clandestine action capabilities, unlike traditional military units.

Green Berets typically operate under Title 10 authority, which restricts their activities to declared military operations. This distinction allows the Ground Branch to operate in a covert manner, maintaining plausible deniability for the US government in sensitive situations.

A History of Covert Ground Branch Operations

Office of Strategic Services (OSS)

The Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the CIA’s predecessor, laid the groundwork for covert paramilitary operations.

These covert warriors played a crucial role in gathering intelligence, sabotaging enemy operations, and supporting resistance movements in Europe and Asia during World War II.

• World War II Origins: The OSS, under Major General William Joseph Donovan, served as the forerunner to the CIA, conducting espionage, sabotage, and guerrilla warfare.
• Training and Operations: The OSS trained resistance fighters in occupied territories and conducted direct action missions behind enemy lines.
• Post-War Transition: After the war, the OSS was disbanded, and its functions were absorbed into various agencies, including the CIA.

Tibet (1950s)

• Training and Resistance: The CIA trained Tibetan resistance fighters against the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
• Escape of the Dalai Lama: CIA paramilitary officers assisted in the Dalai Lama’s clandestine escape to India.

Korea (1950s)

• Maritime Operations: CIA-trained Korean guerrillas conducted maritime raids and ambushes behind North Korean lines.
• Amphibious Assaults: CIA paramilitary teams supported major amphibious landings, including the Inchon landing.

Vietnam and Laos (1960s-70s)

• Hmong Tribesmen: CIA paramilitary officers trained and led Hmong tribesmen in Laos and Vietnam against communist forces.
• Air America: This CIA-owned airline provided logistical support and conducted combat operations in Southeast Asia.
• Phoenix Program: CIA paramilitary officers participated in this controversial program targeting Viet Cong infrastructure and personnel.

Global Operations (1970s-Present)

• Operation Ivy Bells: The CIA, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and NSA, tapped Soviet underwater communication cables.
• Nicaragua (1980s): CIA paramilitary teams trained and supported the Contra rebels against the Sandinista government.
• Somalia (1990s-2000s): CIA operatives tracked high-value targets and conducted joint operations with U.S. military forces.
• Afghanistan (2001-Present): CIA paramilitary teams played a crucial role in the initial invasion of Afghanistan and the ongoing war against the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
• Iraq (2003-Present): CIA paramilitary teams worked alongside U.S. special forces to defeat insurgents and capture high-value targets.
• Global War on Terror: The CIA’s Special Activities Center has taken the lead in the covert war against al-Qaeda, conducting targeted strikes and capturing key figures.

From the jungles of Southeast Asia to the deserts of Afghanistan and the battlefields of Iraq, CIA paramilitary officers have consistently provided policymakers with crucial strategic and tactical options during international conflicts.

Ground Branch stands out as a deployable force with the unique capability of conducting clandestine operations, a capability beyond the reach of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).

JSOC, while specializing in high-risk special operations missions, focuses on low-visibility activities that prepare the operational environment for follow-on forces.

Ground Branch, on the other hand, can operate independently and covertly, achieving objectives that fall outside the purview of traditional military action.

The Future of Ground Branch

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the role of the Ground Branch is likely to remain critical.

New threats like cyberwarfare and the rise of non-state actors necessitate adaptable and deniable forces.

Ground Branch, with its expertise in unconventional warfare and clandestine operations, is uniquely positioned to address these challenges.

The CIA is constantly seeking to refine its approach to clandestine operations.

Efforts are underway to improve inter-agency cooperation, ensuring seamless collaboration between Ground Branch and other intelligence units.

Additionally, a focus on language and cultural training is crucial for effective operations in diverse regions.

Ground Branch operators who can blend in seamlessly and build rapport with local populations will be invaluable assets in the years to come.

The Ethical Considerations of Clandestine Operations

The inherent secrecy surrounding Ground Branch operations raises ethical concerns.

The lack of transparency can lead to questions about accountability and potential human rights violations.

The CIA, however, maintains a rigorous oversight process to ensure that operations are conducted within legal and ethical boundaries.

Ground Branch operators are also trained to adhere to strict protocols designed to minimize civilian casualties and collateral damage.

The Unsung Heroes of the War on Terror

Ground Branch operates in the shadows, and its actions are rarely known by the public.

These elite warriors play a vital role in protecting national security and furthering American interests abroad.

Their dedication, courage, and professionalism deserve recognition, even if they must remain veiled in secrecy.

Final Thoughts

Ground Branch stands as a testament to the vital, yet often unseen, role of covert operations in the modern world.

These elite warriors represent the cutting edge of clandestine warfare, offering policymakers a unique and powerful tool in the fight against global threats.

As the world continues to face complex challenges, Ground Branch is likely to remain at the forefront, safeguarding American interests in the shadows.

This article was originally published in February 2016 and has been reviewed and updated by the SOFREP News Team.