Joint Studies and Observation Group

The Joint Studies and Observation Group is a joint unit under the Special Operations Command tasks with the study, observation and evaluation of special operations preparedness and readiness acting as OPFOR/Red Cell Unit for the Special Operations community of the US military.

Overview
The Joint Studies and Observation Group is task with similar mission with the Joint Special Operations Command but perform them in slightly different manner. While the JSOC teach by employing tactics and techniques developed by the United States, JSOG teach by countering these tactics and techniques. JSOG is the equivalent of OPFOR/Red Cell of the special operations community. Furthermore, the JSOC is a command component of the USSOCOM while the JSOG is a unit component of USSOCOM.

JSOG is a joint unit, composed of service members from the four branches of the US military. Technically, JSOG is a not under the JSOC rather they are a fully operational special operations support unit providing transportation, communications and intelligence to operating units.

The Group operates a wide variety of foreign aircrafts or vehicles. Some are acquired from allies, others manufactured in the US through the specifications gathered by the intelligence community and still others are acquired from the field and restored to full operating capability.

Officially, JSOG is a training unit designed to test and teach special operations forces. Unofficially, they serve as the cover for Ghost Unit. Unit operators are hidden from the regular forces; assuming the identity of JSOG instructors, technicians, mechanics or analysts.

Organization and Chain of Command
The Joint Studies and Observation Group is battalion-sized unit composed of four companies and a headquarters company. Two companies act as OPFORs, one as Red Cell, one for transportation and one for support activities.

JSOG is organized as an infantry battalion. The commander of JSOG is an O-5; XO is an O-4 with a command sergeant major of E-8. Companies are commanded by an O-3; XO is an O-2 and a company sergeant of E-7. Platoons are commanded by an O-2; XO is an O-1 and a platoon sergeant of E-6. The commander of JSOG reports directly to the commander of the US Special Operations Command.

Being under the Special Operations Command, JSOG members are authorized to wear any SOCOM decorations on their uniform.

Recruitment and Training
Personnel of JSOG are assigned based on their qualifications. Most are handpicked for their area of expertise. Instructor are often have sufficient amount of combat experience and have exceptional records. Instructors must also be a graduate of training courses given by any of the service branches. Most of the support personnel are skilled in communications, electronics, foreign languages, cryptography and other areas.

Most Unit operators are embedded with personnel from JSOG without the latter knowing it.

Inventory
Being a training unit, JSOG has a wide variety of weapons and vehicles in store. Most of the weapons and vehicles are foreign made. Special Operations Forces are training with JSOG are taught to use these weapons and vehicles. They are also taught tactics and techniques using these resources.