United States Army Intelligence and Security Command

United States Army Intelligence and Security Command
Unit name	United States Army Intelligence and Security Command
Caption	Shoulder sleeve insignia
Dates	1977–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Military intelligence
Role	Intelligence, security, and information operations
Size	Command
Command structure	United States Army Futures Command
Garrison	Fort Belvoir, Virginia
Nickname	INSCOM
Motto	"Always Out Front"
Battles	Cold War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War
Current commander	MG Michele H. Bredenkamp
Notable commanders	Harry E. Soyster, John A. Leide, James R. Clapper

Contents

History
Organization
Mission and functions
Insignia and heraldry
Commanders
See also

United States Army Intelligence and Security Command. It is a direct reporting unit within the United States Army Futures Command, headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The command conducts intelligence, security, and information operations for Army and joint force commanders worldwide. Its history traces to the consolidation of several intelligence disciplines during the Cold War.

History

The command was activated on 1 January 1977, merging the United States Army Security Agency with the intelligence elements of the United States Army Intelligence Corps. This reorganization, directed by the United States Department of the Army, aimed to unify signals intelligence and human intelligence under a single manager. Key predecessors included the Army Intelligence Agency and the Intelligence and Security Branch. During the Cold War, its units supported operations in Berlin, Vietnam, and during the Gulf War. Following the September 11 attacks, it played a pivotal role in the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the Iraq War, adapting to new threats from al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Organization

The command comprises a headquarters, multiple intelligence brigades, and specialized battalions. Major subordinate units include the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade in Germany, the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade at Fort Sam Houston, and the 500th Military Intelligence Brigade in Hawaii. It also directs the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade for cyber intelligence and the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade at Fort George G. Meade. Other critical elements are the Army Operations Center and the National Ground Intelligence Center. These units are often aligned with United States Army Central or United States Army Europe and Africa.

Mission and functions

Its primary mission is to provide actionable intelligence and conduct security operations. Core functions include collecting and analyzing signals intelligence, geospatial intelligence, and measurement and signature intelligence. The command executes counterintelligence investigations, supports force protection, and conducts information operations. It partners with the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the Central Intelligence Agency. Key activities involve supporting the Joint Chiefs of Staff and combatant commands like United States Central Command and United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Insignia and heraldry

The shoulder sleeve insignia features a blue shield with a white sword and a gold lightning bolt, symbolizing security and intelligence. The distinctive unit insignia, approved by the United States Army Institute of Heraldry, includes a gold lion holding a key. The motto "Always Out Front" appears on the unit crest. These heraldic items were designed to reflect the lineage of the United States Army Security Agency and the Military Intelligence Corps (United States Army). The colors blue, white, and gold are traditional to the United States Army.

Commanders

Commanders have typically held the rank of major general. The first commander was MG William I. Rolya. Notable subsequent commanders include LTG Harry E. Soyster, who later led the Defense Intelligence Agency, and LTG James R. Clapper, who became the Director of National Intelligence. Other commanders were MG John A. Leide and MG Robert A. Harding. The current commander is MG Michele H. Bredenkamp.