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 • Home (Public Section)  "Elite of the elite!" Teddy M. Terstegge All Rights Reserved Comments or questions? Please contact us at: info@flashforce.org |
HISTORY
HISTORY In the closing decades of the 20th Century, the United States government recognized that an increasing tide of terrorism threatened the safety and well-being of citizens not only in the United States, but in other peace-loving nations throughout the world. In order to counter this growing threat and ensure the continued safety of American citizens both at home and abroad, Congress enacted the "Counter-Terrorism Act of 1996", a law which authorized the creation of an entirely new and operationally independent force to combat terrorism. A committee was formed to develop the new agency and in 1997, the United States Department of Counter-Terrorism was born. Drawing inspiration and experience from the finest military and law enforcement units in the world, the newly formed United States Department of Counter-Terrorism (USDOC or "Lightning Force" as it was also known) quickly earned worldwide respect and was considered to be one of the most capable special operations units in existence. As a symbol of excellence, the unit adopted a distinctive and now familiar light gray beret as official headgear for all its field operations-qualified personnel. Shortly after the department was established, the need to expand its operational capabilities and influence became apparent. The USDOC Director authorized the formation of an all-volunteer Reserve Division and as a result, "Flash Force" was formally established on March 13, 1999. The main function of the reserve division was to assist and support regular USDOC forces in the performance of their counter-terrorist missions. Flash Force quickly grew and by early 2002, it had established a formidable presence by activating over three hundred affiliated commands in over twelve independent nations worldwide. Following the tragedy of 11 September, 2001, the United States government began restructuring itself in order to more effectively meet the threats posed by a new wave of internationally expanding terrorist operations. As a result, Congress approved the creation of the “United States Department of Homeland Security”. Although the USDOC could proudly claim to be the first such agency in the world, the new Department of Homeland Security was formed and the USDOC decommissioned. The members of the USDOC Reserve Command Advisory Council and the other members of Flash Force refused to accept the elimination of their unit however, and knew that the cause of counter-terrorism would suffer without their efforts. They unanimously vowed to carry on the missions of the USDOC--even as it was being dismantled and relegated to the pages of history. When the USDOC was officially decommissioned on 31 January, 2003, all its former assets and personnel were transferred to the newly created and independently operated “International Special Operations Command” (or ISOC). Today, the ISOC (which carries the name “Flash Force” in honor of its predecessor) "continues the mission" and retains its lead as the most capable special operations organization of its kind. The redefined "Flash Force" continues to make great strides forward, courageously facing all odds and expertly providing for the protection of others and the pursuit of justice. |
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