Central Central Intelligence Agency CIA Special Operations Group SOG Special Activities Center - Ground Division / SAC-GD Serial Numbered Tertio Optio Challenge Coin
Central Central Intelligence Agency / CIA
Special Operations Group / SOG
Special Activities Center - Ground Division / SAC-GD
Serial Numbered
Tertio Optio = 3rd Option
Challenge Coin
Condition: Used, and in nice shape. It has minor surface marks from handling. Please see picture.
The coin is 2 inches in diameter. Acquired in trade with person associated with the organization.
The Special Activities Center (SAC) is a division of the Central Intelligence Agency responsible for covert operations and paramilitary operations. The unit was named Special Activities Division (SAD) prior to 2016.[2] Within SAC there are two separate groups: SAC/SOG (Special Operations Group) for tactical paramilitary operations and SAC/PAG (Political Action Group) for covert political action.[3]
The Special Operations Group (SOG) is a department within SAC responsible for operations that include clandestine or covert operations with which the U.S. government does not want to be overtly associated.[4] As such, unit members, called Paramilitary Operations Officers and Specialized Skills Officers, do not typically wear uniforms.[5]
If they are compromised during a mission, the U.S. government may deny all knowledge.[6] SOG is considered the most secretive special operations force, with fewer than 100 operatives.[7] The group often recruits personnel from special mission units within the U.S. Special Operations community.[8]
SOG Paramilitary Operations Officers account for a majority of Distinguished Intelligence Cross and Intelligence Star recipients during conflicts or incidents that elicited CIA involvement. These are the highest and second-highest valor awards within the CIA in recognition of distinguished valor and excellence in the line of duty. SAC/SOG operatives also account for the majority of the stars displayed on the Memorial Wall at CIA headquarters, indicating that the officer died while on active duty.[9] The motto of SAC is Tertia Optio, which means "Third Option," as covert action represents the third option within the realm of national security when diplomacy and military action are not feasible.[10]
(REF: Wikipedia)