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Deployable Specialized Forces

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The Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) —formerly Deployable Operations Group— are part of the United States Coast Guard that provide highly equipped, trained and organized deployable specialized forces, to the Coast Guard, United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Department of Defense (DoD) and inter-agency operational and tactical commanders.[2] The command was formerly headquartered in Arlington, Virginia where it was established on 20 July 2007, and was commanded by a captain. It was decommissioned by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Robert Papp on 1 October 2013, with units previously assigned to the DOG being split between Coast Guard Pacific and Atlantic Area commands. The units were subsequently reorganized under Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF).

Deployable Specialized Forces
Seal of the former command name Deployable Operations Group
ActiveJuly 20, 2007 – October 1, 2013 Deployable Operations Group (DOG) formerly
2013  – active
Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) reorganized
Country United States of America
Branch United States Coast Guard
TypeDeployable specialized forces
RoleProvide the USCG, DHS, DoD, rapidly deployable specialized forces.
Counterterrorism
Counter narcotics operations
Counterproliferation
Expeditionary warfare [1]
Size≈2,000
Part ofDepartment of Homeland Security
Nickname(s)"DOG Teams" "DSF Teams"
EngagementsGlobal War on Terrorism

The Deployable Specialized Forces purpose is to develop systems and processes for standardized training, equipment, organization, planning, and scheduling of rapidly deployable specialized forces to execute mission objectives in support of tactical and operational commanders.[3] Since 2007, the unit has deployed throughout the world in support of national interests and requirements as tailored and integrated force packages. This included response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, in support of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and more recently deploying specialized counter piracy boarding teams to the Middle East, such as Operation Ocean Shield, where TACLET and MSST teams part of Combined Task Force 151 were an integral role in Somali counterpiracy. In addition, since 2007, DSF units have taken part in nine of the 11 largest maritime cocaine seizures.

Deployable Specialized Forces is the Coast Guard's special operations-capable element, but it is not a part of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), as the Coast Guard does not operate under the Department of Defense. Missions of deployable specialized forces units include high-risk, high-profile tasks such as counter-terrorism, diving operations, intelligence-cued boarding operations, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure, threat assessments involving nuclear, and biological, or chemical weapons, as well as detecting and, if necessary, stopping or arresting submerged divers.

Deployable Specialized Forces also had health services technicians who were attached to medical teams operating within differing commands. These technicians supported roles in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other areas with Navy and Department of Defense groups.

Coast Guard SEAL getting pinned his Navy SEAL trident

Deployable Specialized Forces manages Coast Guard personnel assigned to the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC).[4] The unit also had a high level of involvement in the Coast Guard SEAL Program; candidates could attend United States Naval Special Warfare Training and serve with Navy SEAL teams.[5] While the program is currently suspended, there are still several Coast Guardsmen serving on SEAL teams.[6]

Organization

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Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) is composed of around 2,000 Coast Guard personnel, including the following unit types:

Advanced Interdiction Team

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U.S. Coast Guardsmen assigned to Advanced Interdiction Team 4 fast-rope

Advanced Interdiction Teams are deployable assets composed of various Coast Guard DSF forces drawn primarily from MSRT and MSSTs. Teams of around 12 operators typically augment U.S. Navy vessels to conduct high-level Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), training, and assistance. Teams specialize in counter-narcotics, counterproliferation, and maritime interdiction operations.[7]

Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT)

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A member of Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West trains for a simulated terrorist threat aboard the motor vessel

Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT) has existed in different incarnations, but was formally established in 2006.[8] It is one of two units within the Coast Guard that has counter-terrorism capabilities to conduct action against hostile targets. The first is based in Chesapeake, Virginia, the second is based in San Diego, California. The MSRT is trained to be the first response unit to potential terrorist threats, deny preemptive terrorist actions, execute security actions against armed hostiles and/or non-compliant threats, participate in port level counter-terrorism exercises, execute tactical facility entry, and educate other forces on Coast Guard's counter-terrorism procedures. Although the MSRT's focus is primarily on the safety and security of homeland defense, it is capable of rapidly deploying worldwide in response to incidents.[9] Other specialized units and federal agencies that MSRTs routinely train with are the United States Navy Seals, Special Boat Teams (SWCC), Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) of the Navy, Maritime Raid Force, Force Recon of the Marine Corps, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) of the Army, Air Force 24th Special Operations Wing, Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), ATF, the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) & (BORSTAR), the Customs and Border Protection Special Response Teams (SRT), and other various SWAT/Special Mission Units. Their motto, as seen on their unit patch, is "Nox Noctis est Nostri", which translates from Latin to English is "The Night is Ours".

 
Maritime Security Response Team members fast-roping out of helicopter

MSRT Special Capabilities include:

 
MSRT K-9 Sweep
 
MSRT Precision Marksmen Observer Team

MSRT members are selected through experienced maritime law enforcement members, often selected from MSST and TACLET teams. Many of these members are already highly trained and qualified when selected.

  • Elements of the MSRT's primary assault force are known as a Direct Action Section (DAS). Members of a DAS may include a Team Leader, Comms, Breachers, Medics, Precision Marksmen, Observation members (snipers/observers), and team members trained to identify Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, Radiological (CBRN) threats. These assault force teams train extensively in advanced close quarters combat and advanced combat marksmanship. They are well-trained to quickly and surreptitiously board suspicious vessels, secure gas and oil platforms or secure land-based targets by fast-roping from helicopters or using other undisclosed methods to neutralize enemy personnel.
  • The Tactical Delivery Team (TDT) and the boat assault force are trained in advanced vessel delivery tactics and stealthy delivery of the main assault force (DAS) as well as follow on forces.[10]

Maritime Safety & Security Teams (MSST)

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Main article: Maritime Safety and Security Team
 
MSST conduct counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and Gulf of Aden

Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSSTs) are counter-terrorism (Force-Presence) units created under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The eleven MSSTs provide both waterborne and shore-side counter-terrorism and force protection for strategic shipping, high interest vessels, and critical infrastructure. MSSTs are a quick response force capable of rapid worldwide deployment via air, ground or sea transportation in response to changing threat conditions and evolving Maritime Homeland Security (MHS) mission requirements. Multi-mission capability facilitates augmentation for other selected Coast Guard missions. Other units and federal agencies that MSSTs train with are the Navy's Special Boat Teams, Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR), CBP Air and Marine Operations, FBI, and other various SWAT Teams.

 
MSST crewman, and his K9 being lowered down

MSST special capabilities include:

 
United States Coast Guard patch in multicam pattern wear by MSRT[12]

National Strike Force (NSF)

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Coast Guardsman, both with the Strike Team, perform decontamination procedures on an FBI SWAT member with artificial wounds during a joint agency exercise

The National Strike Force (NSF) was established in 1973 as a direct result of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972.[13] The NSF provides highly trained, experienced personnel and specialized equipment to Coast Guard and other federal agencies to facilitate preparedness for and response to oil discharges, hazardous materials releases, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents.

The National Strike Force (NSF) includes five units with over 200 active duty, civilian, reserve, and auxiliary personnel. It is commanded by a captain.

  • The National Strike Force Coordination Center (NSFCC) provides support and standardization guidance to the three strike teams.
  • Each Strike Team is a highly trained cadre of Coast Guardsmen who maintain and rapidly deploy with specialized equipment and incident management skills wherever needed. The strike teams are recognized worldwide as expert authorities in the preparation for and response to the effects resulting from oil discharges, hazardous substance releases, weapons of mass destruction events, and other emergencies on behalf of the American public. There are three strike teams within the NSF. The Atlantic Strike Team is based at Fort Dix, New Jersey, the Gulf Strike Team is based at the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama, and the Pacific Strike Team is based at Novato, California.
  • The Public Information Assistance Team (PIAT) provides emergency public information services to Federal On-Scene Coordinators primarily during oil spills and hazardous material releases. It is located at the National Strike Force Coordination Center.[14]
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USCG Maritime engagement and protective teams conducts training in Middle East

Naval Coastal Warfare (NCW) These Coast Guard units are part of an interoperable force and are part of the Department of Defense international and domestic security. Similar to PSU's they provide anti-terrorism / force protection for forward deployed base camps and ports around the world where needed. Coast Guard billets assigned to NCW Groups support NECC expeditionary ops.

Port Security Units (PSU)

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Main article: Port Security Unit
 
Port Security Unit 307 in Operation Iraqi Freedom

The Port Security program of the Coast Guard can be traced back all the way back to 1917 with the passage of the Espionage Act and due to the Black Tom explosion.[15] Port Security Units are deployable expeditionary security and anti-terrorism units similar to Marine Corps Security Force Regiment. Unlike any other Coast Guard Units, Port Security Units are the only sustained forward deployable unit, with the ability to deploy within 96 hours of a crisis and establish operations within 24 hours of arrival. PSU's are the only Coast Guard unit that uniquely train and provide ground combat security capability for the Coast Guard if needed. Other units that PSUs train and integrate with are United States Marine Corps Special Operations Capable Forces and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command or abroad in support of various Department of Defense operations. PSU's receive their initial training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune's Special Missions Training Center.[16]

 
Coast Guard RAID team PSU reservist in Afghanistan

Port Security units are trained and equipped to provide:

  • Physical Security
  • Ground Combat
  • Counter-Piracy
  • Maritime Interdiction
  • Military Combat Operations
  • Humanitarian Response
  • Inspections
  • Amphibious operations
  • Point defense of strategic shipping, designated critical infrastructure, and high value assets.[17]

Regional Dive Lockers

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Coast Guard diver, moves underwater equipment in preparation for lifting operations. Coast Guard Regional Dive Locker West deployed with Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia to work on aids to navigation

The DSF has two Regional Dive Lockers that provide full-time diving capability for three primary missions: Ports and Waterways Coastal Security (PWCS); Aids to Navigation (ATON); and ship husbandry and repair in remote polar regions. The Dive Lockers, which became fully operational on October 1, 2008, following a cold water familiarization diving accident in the Arctic aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy.[18] Regional Dive Locker East (RDLE) is located at Portsmouth, Virginia, Regional Dive Locker West (RDLW) is located at San Diego, California or Regional Dive locker Pacific (RDLP) which is located in Honolulu, Hawaii.[19]

Tactical Law Enforcement Teams (TACLET)

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A boarding team from USS Gettysburg and Law Enforcement Detachment 409 capture suspected pirates off Somalia.

Tactical Law Enforcement Teams provide specialized Law Enforcement Detachments (LEDET) to conduct counter-narcotics law enforcement and Maritime Interdiction Operations from U.S. and allied naval vessels. There are currently two units, Tactical Law Enforcement Team South based in Opa-locka, Florida and the Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team (PACTACLET) based in San Diego, California. The Coast Guard formally established the Law Enforcement Detachment program in 1982. Originally, LEDETs operated directly under Coast Guard "groups," local commands that operated under Coast Guard districts. Other federal agencies that TACLETs train with are the DEA Special Response Teams, ATF Special Response Teams, and various local SWAT Teams[20]

 
Tactical Law Enforcement Badge worn by qualified TACLET members.

TACLET groups duties include:

  • maritime interdiction missions
  • counter-piracy
  • military combat operations
  • alien migration interdiction
  • military force protection
  • counter terrorism
  • homeland security
  • humanitarian response

Unit Level Testing

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Coast Guard MSST 91110 members perform water survival training.

The standard unit level testing falls into three levels of physical fitness. The test is very similar to the FBI test or applying to a local or state police agencies SWAT team. The units have an indoctrination phase sometimes referred to as "Green Team". Each unit member will go through water survival training.[21]

The Tier One Fitness test is:

Men / Women All Ages
1.5 Mile Run 11:38 or under
Situps 1 Minute 42
Pushups 1 Minute 38
300m Sprint 48 Seconds
Vertical Jump 23 Inches
Under 12 Minute Swim (Side Stroke / Breast Stroke) 500 Yards

The Tier Two fitness is:

Men Under 30 Years Old
1.5 Mile Run 12:51 or under
Situps 1 Minute 38
Pushups 1 Minute 29
12 Minute Swim (Side Stroke / Breast Stroke) 500 Yards
Sit and Reach 16.5 Inches
Women Under 30 Years Old
1.5 Mile Run 15:26 or under
Situps 1 Minute 32
Pushups 1 Minute 23
12 Minute Swim (Side Stroke / Breast Stroke) 400 Yards
Sit and Reach 19.25 Inches

Operations

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USCG Munro TACLET boarding team interdicts suspected drug smuggling vessel

The United States Coast Guard is the only military branch with law enforcement capabilities to board and seize. Under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act and UN resolutions, its mission includes seizing drugs in international waters or on behalf of partner nations.[22]

$ Description USCG Asset Date
$100 Million 10,000 lbs of cocaine[23] USCG LEDET 409 with USCGC Resolute 24-Aug-09
$22 Million 1,900 lbs of cocaine. A video from a CBP P-3 plane shows a shootout between the drug smugglers and TACLET operators.[24] USCG Tactical Law Enforcement Team South with Royal Netherland Navy 23-Nov-12[25]
$569 Million 17,000 lbs. of cocaine as part of a monthslong operations. LEDET team interdicted a Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible. A LEDET member was captured on film jumping onto the vessel, causing it to heave to. The dramatic video went viral and was cited by the President of the United States.[26] USCG LEDET, Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team (PACTACLET) with USCGC Munro 18-Jul-19
N/A Cache of weapons consisted of thousands of AK-47 assault rifles, light machine guns, heavy sniper rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and crew served weapons. Other weapon components included barrels, stocks, optical scopes and weapon systems.[27] USCG Advanced Interdiction Team (AIT) with U.S. NAVY 11-Feb-21
N/A Cache of weapons included dozens of advanced Russian-made anti-tank guided missiles, thousands of Chinese Type 56 assault rifles, and hundreds of PKM machine guns, sniper rifles and rocket-propelled grenades launchers. Other weapon components included advanced optical sights.[28] USCG Advanced Interdiction Team (AIT) with U.S. NAVY 7-May-21
N/A Advanced Interdiction Team seized approximately 1,400 AK-47 assault rifles and 226,600 rounds of ammunition from a stateless fishing vessel during a flag verification boarding in accordance with customary international law in the North Arabian Sea.[29] USCG Advanced Interdiction Team (AIT) with U.S. NAVY 22-Dec-21
$4 Million (kg not listed) heroin [30] USCG Advanced Interdiction Team (AIT) with U.S. NAVY 27-Dec-21
$475 Million 24,700 lbs of cocaine and 3,892 pounds of lbs[31] USCG LEDET 101 and LEDET 401 with joint USCG & U.S. NAVY assets. 17-Sep-22
$69 Million 1,986 lbs. of marijuana [32] USCG Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 406 with U.S. NAVY 27-Ap-23
$42 Million 1000 kg hashish, 802 kg methamphetamine [33] USCG Advanced Interdiction Team (AIT) with U.S. NAVY 21-Apr-23
$63 Million 4,800 lbs of cocaine. USCG Tactical team shot and sank the drug smuggling speedboat.[34] USCG LEDET 110 and Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) 04-June-24

Notable service members

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USCG carry the casket of Petty Officer Third Class Bruckenthal. He was the first Coast Guardsman to lose their life in battle since Vietnam War during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Make the Coast Guard's DSF Its Own Community". usni.org. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  2. ^ "Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) Safety Program | U.S. Coast Guard".
  3. ^ USCG Deployable Operations Group
  4. ^ iFORCECOM: DOG – Deployable Operations Group[dead link‍]
  5. ^ "ALCOAST 367/08". Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  6. ^ "Coast Guard Suspends SEAL Program". 28 November 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
  7. ^ "Advanced Interdiction Team". American Special Operations. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  8. ^ "Gale-Institution Finder". galeapps.gale.com. Retrieved 2019-11-13.
  9. ^ "USCG Office of Counterterrorism & Defense Operations". Uscg.mil. 2014-03-20. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  10. ^ "NEUTRALIZING THE THREAT". gocoastguard.com. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  11. ^ http://www.transportation.org/sites/security/docs/10_us_coast_guard_overview.pdf[permanent dead link‍]
  12. ^ "Coast Guard MSRT West trains for counterterrorism in Alaska "Coast Guard Alaska". alaska.coastguard.dodlive.mil. Retrieved 2019-07-26.
  13. ^ Bullock, Jane; Haddow, George; Coppola, Damon P. (2012-01-17). Introduction to Homeland Security: Principles of All-Hazards Risk Management. Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-12-415802-3.
  14. ^ "USCG National Strike Force website". Uscg.mil. 2014-02-24. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  15. ^ "History". Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Association. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  16. ^ "Port Security Units | GoCoastGuard.com". www.gocoastguard.com. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  17. ^ "Port Security | GoCoastGuard.com". www.gocoastguard.com. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  18. ^ "Coast Guard Establishes Regional Dive Lockers | Coast Guard News". coastguardnews.com. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  19. ^ "Adaptability of Coast Guard Divers Increases Recovery and Salvage Oper". U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  20. ^ "LEDETs ? 35 Years of Law Enforcement Missions". The Maritime Executive. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  21. ^ Smith, Stew. "Coast Guard Specialized Forces Overview". Military.com. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  22. ^ "United Nations Treaty Collection". treaties.un.org. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
  23. ^ "Coast Guard seizes nearly 10,000 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $100 million during two separate patrols". dvidshub. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
  24. ^ "USCG Shootout with Drug Smugglers". Military.
  25. ^ "Coast Guard Unloaded $22 Million Worth of Cocaine at Miami Beach Base". NBC Miami. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
  26. ^ "Dramatic video shows Coast Guard leaping onto submarine carrying 17,000 pounds of cocaine". NBC. 11 July 2019. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
  27. ^ "Winston S. Churchill Seizes Illicit Weapons from Two Dhows off Somalia". U.S. Central Command. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
  28. ^ "USS Monterey Seizes Illicit Weapons in the North Arabian Sea". U.S. Central Command. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
  29. ^ "USS Monterey Seizes Illicit Weapons in the North Arabian Sea". U.S. Navy. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  30. ^ "U.S. Navy Ships Interdict Heroin Worth $4 Million with International Task Force". U.S. Central Command. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
  31. ^ "Coast Guard Offloads $475 Million in Illegal Narcotics in Miami". Fox News. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
  32. ^ "USS Farragut, Coast Guard offloads more than $69 million in illegal narcotics". U.S. Coast Guard. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
  33. ^ "U.S. Navy Ship Patrolling Middle East Seizes $42 Million in Drugs". U.S. Central Command. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
  34. ^ "U.S. Coast Guard offloads $63 million of cocaine after shootout at sea sinks suspected drug smuggling boat and crew". CBS Neww. Retrieved 2024-06-24.

Further reading

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  • Mitchell, Matthew J. (2009). Not your father's Coast Guard: the untold story of U.S. Coast Guard Special Forces. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse. ISBN 9781449044398.
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