SOT-A


A SOT-A is a signals intelligence–electronic warfare element of the United States Army Special Forces.
They are low-level SIGINT collection teams that intercept and report operational and technical information derived from tactical threat communications through prescribed communications paths. The mission of a SOT-A is to conduct SIGINT/EW in support of information operations to support existing and emerging SOF missions worldwide.
SOT-A's are the direct descendants of the Army Security Agency's Special Operations Detachments.

Capabilities

SOT-A team members can operate in remote, denied areas much like SFODA members. In addition to their linguistic, international Morse code
and SIGINT skills, SOT-As are trained in tactical and fieldcraft techniques and are certified in the same basic skills as SFODAs. However, SOT-As are rarely certified in advanced SOF skills such as underwater operations or military free-fall.
SOT-As can detect, monitor, and exploit threat communications through communications transmission intercept and direction finding. SOT-As also can deploy with Special Forces Operational Detachments-A to provide SIGINT support for contingency, direct action, force protection, MTT support, or unconventional warfare. These functions may require SOT-As to:
  • Deploy with a SFODA.
  • Deploy independently and then join a deployed SFODA.
  • Operate independently or with other SOT-As.
  • Operate and train on advanced collection equipment provided by national intelligence agencies.

Insertion/Extraction Techniques

SOT-A team members can operate in remote and denied areas. In addition to their linguistic and SIGINT skills, SOT-As are trained in tactical and fieldcraft techniques.

SIGINT (Signals Intelligence)

Advanced training

Advanced training may include:

Organization

According to a 2001 field manual, there is one SIGINT section with six SOT-A per each Special Forces Group. A SOT-A team consists of four members.