Third Echelon
From Wiki Splinter Cell
| Third Echelon | |
|---|---|
.JPG)
| |
| Nickname | 3E, ECHELON |
| Formed | 2003 |
| Jurisdiction | United States / Worldwide |
| Location | Classified (possibly within Washington, D.C., or near Fort Meade, Maryland) |
| Operations |
Information Retrieval |
| Executives |
Tom Reed (Director) |
| Advisors |
Anna Grímsdóttir |
| Splinter Cells | |
| Parent Agency | National Security Agency |
| Status | Active |
| Appearances | All Splinter Cell games |
Third Echelon is a top-secret sub-branch within the various intelligence branches of the National Security Agency (NSA). Established in 2003, Third Echelon's primary goal is to retrieve information in any part of the world, including the U.S., by means of covert operations as a means of ensuring national security. Their most prominent network is the "Splinter Cell" program, in which they deploy elite lone operatives known as "Splinter Cells" to conduct covert operations in politically-sensitive areas around the world. Unlike the CIA's field operatives, Splinter Cells are not to be known by anyone including other U.S. government agencies. The location of Third Echelon's offices remains classified, but is believed to be located within Washington, D.C., or near Fort Meade, Maryland. Third Echelon's current director is Thomas Reed.
Contents |
Overview
When intelligence deemed critical to national security cannot be obtained by traditional means, Third Echelon is granted clearance to conduct physical operations. No longer filtering the world through satellites and antennas, Third Echelon's "Splinter Cell" agents are sent to physically infiltrate dangerous and sensitive enemy locations to collect the required intelligence by whatever means necessary. Their prime directive is to conduct their operations while remaining invisible to the public eye. They're authorized to work outside the boundaries of international treaties, but the U.S. will neither acknowledge nor support their operations. Officially, Third Echelon and its agents do not exist.
Third Echelon marks a return to more "classical" methods of espionage powered by the latest technology for the aggressive collection of stored data. In other words, it goes back to the grueling world of human spies operating out in the field, risking their lives for the sake of capturing a photograph, recording a conversation, or copying a computer hard drive. Splinter Cells are recruited from the U.S. Special Forces communities of the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and then shaped into the ultimate covert soldiers: men capable of not only working alone in hostile environments, but of doing so without leaving a trace. Thus, Third Echelon, a sub-agency of the NSA, consists of an elite team of strategists, hackers, and field operatives that respond to crises of information warfare with the highest degree of secrecy humanly possible.
Background
The NSA is the signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cryptologic establishment of the United States. Primarily tasked with the conduct of SIGINT in all its forms, the NSA can, and has at times, intercept and analyze every form of communication known to man, from cellphone signals and e-mail messages, to microwave emissions, to ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) burst transmissions from submarines thousands of feet beneath the surface of the ocean. It coordinates, directs, and performs highly specialized activities to protect U.S. information systems and produce foreign intelligence reports. Since it's on the edge of communications and data processing, the NSA is naturally a very high-tech operation. For decades, the NSA has engaged in the 'passive' collection of moving data by intercepting communications en route.
The First Echelon was a worldwide network of international intelligence agencies and interceptors that seized communications signals and routed them back to the NSA for analysis. It was a network vital to the United States' efforts during the Cold War. As the Soviet Union disintegrated and communications evolved, high technology became the name of the game.
The NSA created Second Echelon, which focused entirely on this new breed of communications technology. Unfortunately, the immense volume of information combined with the accelerated pace of developing technology and encryption overwhelmed Second Echelon. NSA experienced its first system-wide crash.
As communications became more digital and sophisticated encryption more expansive, passive collection simply was rendered inefficient. To address this, the NSA launched a top-secret initiative in 2003. Hoping to bridge the chasm between simply gathering actionable intelligence and acting on that intelligence, the NSA was directed by special Presidential charter to form Third Echelon, its own in-house covert operations unit.
"Splinter Cell" Program
When critical intelligence cannot be obtained by passive means, Third Echelon resolves the situation by conducting so-called "physical operations" - a euphemism for direct action. To do so, they introduced the "Splinter Cell" program, which was created to deploy elite intelligence-gathering units known as "Splinter Cells" to areas deemed either too sensitive or too risky for traditional entities such as the CIA or standard Special Forces. The first official and notable recruit was ex-Navy SEAL Sam Fisher, a highly-decorated veteran of numerous conflicts during and following the Cold War.
Splinter Cells are lone operatives who are supported in the field by a high-tech remote team. They are used in situations where more than one operative - even though highly secret - would arouse too much attention. They infiltrate secure installations, seize critical intelligence, destroy dangerous data or equipment, and neutralize the enemy as needed, without leaving a trace.
Splinter Cells are very unusual people, even when compared with "ordinary" special operators or "ordinary" spies without official cover. They have extraordinary training and skill, are mind-numbingly precise, they deal with grave stress and risk, and they know that a single mistake could be fatal to them. Due to the complexities of their operations, Splinter Cells undergo rigorous and very extensive training. Stealth skills and hand-to-hand combat skills are stressed, due to the fact that they must remain invisible while conducting extremely covert operations. Stealth skills are highly stressed in order to complete their operations. Splinter Cells are taught how to move through areas completely undetected, both by enemy ears and eyes. Stealth training could possibly include infiltration techniques, exfiltration, silent movement, and silent combat on a solo operating scale.
Due to political establishment, sometimes triggering a single alarm can mean mission failure, depending on the importance of the particular mission at hand. When an enemy is encountered, Splinter Cells need to be able to silence them quickly and quietly. It won't help their mission if they alert nearby comrades. Splinter Cells receive excellent hand-to-hand combat training, which is useful when grabbing specific targets or seeking to extract intel from guards. In close combat situations Splinter Cells express great control and skill when applying such techniques. What can be assumed is that their combat training is centered around remaining silent while engaging. Either way, Splinter Cells are without a doubt capable of performing the duties of what a U.S. Special Ops team can.
Originally, Splinter Cells operated alone, although as of 2007, an NSA official indicated that at least two-man squads were being used. The ability to operate in this manner is referred to as the "Fifth Freedom" - that is, the freedom to do whatever is deemed necessary to protect the four cornerstones of American moral thought, as defined in one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous speeches. Roosevelt articulated these as "freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want and freedom from fear." Under the (unofficial) Fifth Freedom, an operative may disregard any law, agreement, or framework of ethical behavior in order to protect the four. For example, the operative may kill in combat or by assassination, torture or kidnap people, deploy on U.S. soil, spy on other U.S. government agencies, etc. The downside is that if an operative is captured or killed, the U.S. government will disavow them - either by claiming that the person has gone rogue, or by denying that they even existed. Mission objectives and locations vary, but a Splinter Cell's basic goal is to infiltrate the area of operations (AO), do the required things there, and then escape without being detected. Special Reconnaissance is the Splinter Cells core competency.
Splinter Cells' Prime Directives
- To aggressively collect intelligence vital to U.S. security.
- To protect critical U.S. information systems.
- To keep all operations invisible to the public eye.
- To work outside the boundaries of international treaties, but know that the U.S. will neither acknowledge nor support their operations. Unofficial Fifth Freedom.
SHADOWNET
In 2006, a team-based program called SHADOWNET was launched by NSA analyst Dermot Paul ("D.P.") Brunton. Usually, teams were composed of two "Splinter Cells-in-training" to complete objectives impossible for one operative. They operated laterally, shifting command structure in the field as the situation demands. Occasionally, SHADOWNET operatives performed missions in the same general AO as Splinter Cells, but direct contact is prohibited to prevent agents from being compromised. SHADOWNET spies generally carry the same equipment as Splinter Cells (SC-20K and SC Pistol respectively), however, occasionally they are not allowed to carry lethal weapons and are instead issued P190s, P90s modified to shoot rechargeable sticky shockers attached with 40mm multi-purpose launchers for their gadgets. As of 2008, the spies are under the direct command of Third Echelon instead of SHADOWNET. The SHADOWNET spies were deployed for field operations during the Cyber Attacks of 2007, and continued to do so during the JBA Crisis in New York.
During the JBA Crisis, their equipment and general outfit changed dramatically. The way the team operates has also changed to a limited extent. The team members operating during missions have been increased from two to three and they are no longer allowed to use their projectile weapons to discourage enemy contact. However, with the lighter load the spies of Third Echelon have acquired much higher agility and new acrobatic maneuvers for missions. It is unknown how many Splinter Cell members there are after the Indonesian Crisis. Though it is heavily suggested in reports that between the JBA Crisis and the Third Echelon Conspiracy there might be more than a dozen.
Personnel
Third Echelon's specialists have been recruited from every branch of intelligence and the armed forces, some even culled from civilian life. They are the elite of America's strategists, hackers, and operatives. Each field operative (or "Splinter Cell") works with a remote support team of roughly a dozen members.
Operations Coordinator
The Operations Coordinator is the main point of contact and source of information for the field operative who oversees the remote team of researchers, hackers, and strategists. In espionage parlance, he would typically be described as the operative's "handler" or "controller". When traveling, a Splinter Cell carries a portable transmitter wherever he goes. The field operative has subdermal microchips and at least one cochlear implant, designed to help him stealthily communicate with his handler. Irving Lambert held this job until the JBA Crisis when he went missing. Reports suggest that Lawrence Williams currently holds the title.
Irving Lambert
Name: Irving Lambert
Born: 1961, Batcave, N.C.
Rank: Colonel (USA-Ret.)
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 270 lbs.
Status: Unknown
Main article: Irving Lambert
Profile: The Director of Operations at Third Echelon during Sam Fisher's time with the agency, Irving Lambert was responsible for briefing and supporting Splinter Cells in the field. A man with over 30 years' experience in intelligence operations, Lambert personally recruited Fisher into Third Echelon and has acted as something of a mentor to the maverick agent ever since. When Fisher disappeared in 2008 following the death of his daughter, Lambert took an extended leave of absence for undisclosed reasons. He hasn't communicated with the agency since.
Communications Lead
The Communications Lead heads a small team of programmers responsible for providing technological, cryptographic, and data support for the field operative. They will assist in interfacing with mission-essential equipment. Anna Grímsdóttir has been the Communications Lead since the Georgian Information Crisis.
Anna Grímsdóttir
Name: Anna Grímsdóttir
Born: 1974, Boston, MA.
Rank: Non-military
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 128 lbs.
Status: Active
Main article: Anna Grímsdóttir
Profile: Anna Grímsdóttir (aka 'Grim') is the Chief Technical Advisor at Third Echelon. She was a civilian computer programmer and communications specialist for the NSA in the late-1990s before Irving Lambert recruited her in 2003. As a key member of the field support team, Grim's job is to maintain secure OPSAT communications and provide information analysis and computer support at a moment's notice. Frequently called upon to perform miracles of research and invasive work and invasive network operations on the fly, Grimsdóttír is one of the most highly skilled technical specialists the agency has.
Field Runner
The Field Runner is mainly responsible for coordinating the transportation and equipment for field operatives. Transportation is usually stolen from an area of operations (AO) and abandoned afterwards. They are responsible for maintaining an operative's equipment and munitions. Field Runners brief the field operatives on any new equipment or weaponry as it becomes available. Since 2004 there have been three Field Runners: Vernon Wilkes, Jr. (KIA, 2004), Frances Coen (2004-present), and ex-marine William Redding (2007-present).
William Redding
Name: William Redding
Born: 1969, San Diego, CA.
Rank: Captain (USMC-Ret.)
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Status: Active
Main article: William Redding
Profile: William Redding is the current Field Runner for Third Echelon. He is responsible for everything from acquiring supplies to planning infiltration and escape routes for Splinter Cells to follow. He is a dedicated "leg-man" who makes sure that each agent has everything he needs to get the job done. Although these covert agents perform their missions alone, their activities would not be possible without such a man. Redding's bespectacled, bookish demeanor seems out of place in the rough world of clandestine ops, but he and Sam Fisher made an excellent team.
Base of Operations
Third Echelon's headquarters is nowhere near the NSA, which is housed on Savage Road in Fort Meade, Maryland. The NSA is halfway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., but Third Echelon resides in a non-descript building in the nation's capital, not far from the White House. The reason for this seperation is because technically Third Echelon doesn't exist. Most NSA employees will have never heard of Third Echelon. As one of the most classified, top-secret organizations in the U.S. government, only those on a "need to know" basis are aware of the agency. As of 2007, a training facility was included within the building where new recruits are trained for 18 months before they are deployed as Splinter Cells.
Cyberterrorism/information warfare
Information warfare is an attack against computers, networks, or information systems to coerce or intimidate a government and its people. These attacks result in violence against people or property and generate fear. Attacks that disrupt nonessential services or create a costly nuisance are not considered information warfare. Cyberterrorism results in severe effects such as death, bodily injury, explosions, plane crashes, water contamination, severe economic loss, and so on.
Information warfare is easily and most effectively waged against civilians. Because of its size and reliance on technology, no nation is as vulnerable to information warfare as the United States. Information warfare can be waged anonymously, or with all the publicity in the world. Third Echelon deals with this kind of warfare.
Operations
2004: Georgian Information Attacks
For their inaugural operation, Third Echelon was tasked with preventing the information attacks coming out from Georgia. In order to gather more information on sight, they sent in newly-recruited Splinter Cell Sam Fisher to investigate the situation. Through this investigation, they found out that Kombayn Nikoladze, the President of Georgia, was behind the attacks. Third Echelon continued operations as they tried to stop more attacks on U.S. soil. However, much political red tape prevented the U.S. government from gaining the proper intelligence about these attacks. This caused Third Echelon to send Fisher within the CIA to find out about Nikoladze's plan for America. It soon led Third Echelon to the Masse Kernels and eventually to Nikoladze's palace where he was assassinated to end the information attacks.
2006: Indonesia Crisis/Biological Warfare
Third Echelon sends in Sam Fisher to East Timor to prevent Darah Dan Doa leader Suhadi Sadono from gaining access to private information. It leads them to Israel to track down the ND133 and eventually suprising everyone that a biological attack was underway on U.S. soil with the use of smallpox.
2007: Information Warfare/Far East Asia Crisis
Third Echelon is once again needed to prevent further attacks from the Masse Kernels that are now being used by Displace International. World War III was nearly on the brink as the USS Walsh was destroyed by an anti-ship missile. Blackouts were in New York and Japan as Third Echelon further finds out about the I-SDF situation. Third Echelon was successful from preventing further attacks as they eliminated "Chaos Theory".
2008: JBA Crisis in New York City
As Sam Fisher, Third Echelon's most veteran Splinter Cell, heads into a downward spiral of destruction after the death of his daughter, they send him undercover as a double agent within a homegrown terrorist organization known as the JBA (John Brown's Army). Third Echelon prevented a nuclear attack on U.S. soil but at the same time, losing Agent Fisher to the cause. He becomes a wanted man after this, and also causing to have a new director of Third Echelon to be appointed: Tom Reed. Lambert's fate will be revealed in Splinter Cell: Conviction.
2010: Third Echelon Conspiracy
Third Echelon becomes corrupted, Sam Fisher took an unauthorized leave of absence from his position as Splinter Cell to investigate the link between his daughter's murder and his former employers. In turn, Third Echelon now hunts Fisher as he is a dangerous man. Third Echelon assigns their Splinter Cells to a new mission: "find and capture Sam Fisher."
