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 (unilaterally or in conjunction with other Special Operations Forces (SOF) elements) to support existing and emerging SOF missions worldwide.[1][3][5]
SOT-A's are the direct descendants of the Army Security Agency's Special Operations Detachments (USASASODs).[1][5]
Capabilities
SOT-A team members can operate in remote, denied areas much like SFODA members. In addition to their linguistic, international Morse code
(IMC) 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 (UWO) or military free-fall (MFF).[1][3][5]
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 (SFODAs or A-teams) to provide SIGINT support for contingency, direct action, force protection, MTT support, or unconventional warfare. These functions may require SOT-As to:[1][3][5]
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.
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.[5]
^The Best ODA / SOT-A Assessment, Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, by SGT Carolina Sierra [7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)], dated 5 May 2022, last accessed 18 August 2023
