Deployable Specialized Forces


The Deployable Specialized Forces, formerly the 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, United States Department of Defense and inter-agency operational and tactical commanders. 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 J. Papp Jr. 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.
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.

Distinctive elements

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. 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 are not special operations forces as they are not a part of United States Special Operations Command since the Coast Guard does not operate under the Department of Defense.
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.
Deployable Specialized Forces manages Coast Guard personnel assigned to the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. 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. While the program is currently suspended, there were, as of 2017, several Coast Guardsmen serving on SEAL teams.

Organization

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

Advanced Interdiction Team

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, training, and assistance. Teams specialize in counter-narcotics, counterproliferation, and maritime interdiction operations.

Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT)

Maritime Security Response Team has existed in different incarnations, but was formally established in 2006. 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. Other specialized units and federal agencies that MSRTs routinely train with are the Navy's SEALs, Special Boat Teams and Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Marine Corps' Maritime Raid Force and Force Recon, Army's Special Forces,75th Ranger Regiment, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Air Force's 24th Special Operations Wing, Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Border Patrol Tactical Unit &, the Customs and Border Protection Special Response Teams, 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".
MSRT Special Capabilities include:
  • Counterterrorism
  • Direct Action
  • Advanced Interdiction
  • Hostage Rescue/Personnel Recovery
  • Small Unit Tactics
  • Counter Assault
  • Tactical Maritime Law Enforcement
  • Medium to High-risk boarding "VBSS"
  • Airborne Use of Force
  • K9 explosive detection teams
  • CBRNE
  • Counterproliferation
  • Underwater Port Security
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. Members of a DAS may include a Team Leader, Comms, Breachers, Medics, Precision Marksmen, Observation members, and team members trained to identify Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, Radiological 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 and the boat assault force are trained in advanced vessel delivery tactics and stealthy delivery of the main assault force as well as follow on forces.

    Maritime Safety & Security Teams (MSST)

Maritime Safety and Security Teams are counterterrorism units created under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The eleven MSSTs provide both waterborne and shore-side counterterrorism 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 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, CBP Air and Marine Operations, FBI, and other various SWAT Teams.
MSST special capabilities include:
  • Maritime interdiction and law enforcement
  • Counter-terrorism/Force Protection
  • Security detail
  • CBRN-E Detection
  • Search and Rescue
  • Port Protection/Anti-sabotage
  • Dive Lockers
  • K9 Handling Teams
  • Tactical Boat Operations
  • Non-compliant boarding operations

    National Strike Force (NSF)

The National Strike Force was established in 1973 as a direct result of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972. 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 incidents.
The National Strike Force 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 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 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.
  • The Incident Management Assist Team assists Operational Commanders in preparing for, responding to, and mitigating the effects of all risks and all hazard incidents and events
  • * Response Support Capability: The CG-IMAT provides qualified and proficient National Incident Management System Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Management Assistance Teams and individuals to assist operational commanders manage incidents.
  • * Training Support Capability: The CG-IMAT assists Areas, Districts, Sectors, Bases and Force Readiness Command by supporting Incident Command System training and on-going efforts to qualify for position-specific qualifications.
  • * Exercise Support Capability: The CG-IMAT assists in the design, planning, training, conduct and evaluation of exercises, plans, procedures and capabilities both at national and regional level