The Joint Support Group (JSG) is a covert military intelligence unit of the British Army Intelligence Corps. It was established in 2007 as Operation Banner concluded and following the Stevens Inquiry into allegations of collusion between the former Force Research Unit and Protestant paramilitary groups.[1][2]
The Joint Support Group is tasked with obtaining intelligence by secretly penetrating terrorist organisations through the recruitment and running agents and informants. The JSG works closely with the Secret Intelligence Service, the Security Service, and United Kingdom Special Forces.[3]
The Joint Support Group was active during the Iraq War in running Iraqi double agents and worked closely with the Special Air Service and Delta Force as part of Joint Special Operations Command Task Force Black by providing intelligence for counterterrorism operations. The killing of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in June 2006 and the release of Norman Kember were both reportedly enabled by intelligence obtained by JSG.[4] JSG intelligence also supported Operation Marlborough.[5][6]
JSG was deployed to the War in Afghanistan and reportedly provided intelligence for the capture of 65 Taliban commanders during the Helmand province campaign.[7]
JSG consists of a headquarters element, a training wing, and four squadrons. Each squadron contains around 100 operatives.[8]
The Joint Support Group recruits men and women of any rank from the British Army, the Royal Air Force, and the Naval Service up to the age of 42. Volunteers must pass a two-week pre-selection course followed by four months at the Joint Intelligence Training Group at RAF Chicksands.[9]
