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HOME © Copyright 2003 Teddy M. Terstegge All Rights Reserved 
"Elite of the elite." |
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. JURISDICTION The ISOC believes that highly skilled operators and field response teams must be strategically located in countries throughout the world in order to provide a truly effective response to terrorism,. The acts and effects of terrorism are not limited by national boundaries and an effective response to it must be similarly unencumbered. True cooperation and preparedness is vital to help prevent terrorism and crime from reaching across borders and harming innocent people in their homes and workplaces. Consequently, the unit operates not only within the United States, but in other nations as well. It has a number of affiliates across the globe to serve in support of its missions. These international partnerships foster a spirit of good will between countries and serve to create a united and truly global counter-terrorist effort. The ISOC carries on the original USDOC goal of linking law enforcement resources and government officials across the globe in order to better ensure the safety of innocent persons in all nations. As a result, the ISOC is committed to providing counter-terrorism training and assistance at the request of any legitimate government and it maintains a number of internationally-based units specifically for this purpose MISSION The primary mission of the International Special Operations Command is to protect the innocent from those who commit acts of terrorism and to aid in bringing terrorists to justice. To this end, the primary responsibilities of the unit include:
FUNDING The former USDOC was supported through numerous government sponsorships and worked cooperatively with military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. The department operations budget was liberally supplemented by an aggressive asset-seizure program. As a result of such extensive funding and support, the department was able to supply its units with only the finest in equipment, training, and facilities. While the focus on funding for the redeveloped agency has necessarily shifted from government to private sources, the new ISOC continues to maintain its high standards and capabilities. PERSONNEL Flash Force recruits highly-trained military professionals from some of the finest combat units in the world and has earned international acclaim for its fierce determination and courage under fire. Former Marines from the U.S. Marine Corps' Force Recon, operators from the U.S. Army's famed Delta Force, U.S. Navy SEALs, U.S. Air Force Combat Air Police Specialists--even troopers from the ranks of the ultra-elite British Special Air Service (S.A.S.)--have accepted coveted appointments to the agency. HEADQUARTERS The ISOC is headquartered at the Thunder Bay facility on the west coast of the United States (in California). This highly secure base occupies nearly twenty (20) square miles of rugged wilderness and is hidden deep in the mountains upon the shore of a remote alpine lake. Thunder Bay serves as the nerve center for all unit operations and also houses the Command Leadership Institute and International Special Operations Training Center. Its one hundred-acre "Command Headquarters" complex is the home office of the Executive Director and a majority of the ISOC higher command offices. GUIDING PRINCIPLES While the dedicated men and women of Flash Force are highly motivated to succeed in their difficult mission, they remain ever mindful of their motto, "Elite of the elite!", which decrees that they are a unit without peer. |
