CIA Special Operations - Special Activities Division (SAD)

The Special Activities Division (SAD) is the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) covert paramilitary operations. They are one of America's most secretive and lowest profile special ops organization. SAD teams are made up of Paramilitary Operations Officers, often ex-military personnel and veterans of military special operations units such as the Green Berets or Marine Force Recon. Regardless of background, SAD operators undergo extensive specialized training.

Special Activities Division - Role

Special Activities Division typically carry out deniable operations, sometimes known as 'black ops'. These can include::

• unconventional warfare
• assassinations
• foreign internal defence
• psychological operations
• special reconnaissance

Special Activities Division - Organization

The Special Activities Division is thought to include around 150 fighters, pilots and other specialists. When deployed to the field, they typically operate in 6 man or fewer teams. Assets available to SAD include

• light aircraft
• helicopters
• unmanned predator surveillance/attack aircraft

Special Activities Division - Notable Operations

• 2001-present - Afghanistan - Operation Enduring Freedom
  CIA SAD operatives were amongst the first American forces to deploy into Afghanistan in 2001. SAD operators proceeded to make contact with Northern Alliance commanders, building relationships that were the key to ousting the Taliban regime. CIA operatives were involved in the prisoner revolt at Qala-i-Janghi, which claimed the life of Johnny Michael Spann, a SAD officer. CIA operatives linked up with U.S. and British Special Operations Forces throughout the initial campaign.

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