902nd M. I. Group

• Origins in Counterintelligence: The 902nd Military Intelligence Group was activated in 1974, inheriting the lineage of earlier Army counterintelligence units that date back to World War II and the Cold War. • Primary Mission: The 902nd MI Group's primary mission is to provide counterintelligence (CI) support to U.S. Army operations, protecting against espionage, sabotage, and insider threats. • Coverage Area: Headquartered at Fort Meade, Maryland, the 902nd MI Group has regional offices and subordinate battalions positioned across the continental United States, making it the Army’s principal stateside CI unit. • Operation Deception: The unit historically played roles in supporting Army deception and counter-deception efforts, helping to confuse and misdirect enemy intelligence services during exercises and operations. • Cold War Activities: During the Cold War, 902nd MI Group agents were heavily involved in detecting and neutralizing Soviet and Eastern Bloc espionage efforts targeting U.S. Army installations. • Support to Major Events: The unit has provided security and counterintelligence support to major national events, including presidential inaugurations, NATO summits, and the Olympics. • Insider Threat Detection: The 902nd MI Group is credited with uncovering several insider threats, including Army personnel engaged in espionage or unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information. • Joint and Interagency Work: The Group routinely collaborates with the FBI, NCIS, and other federal agencies, particularly on cases involving terrorism and foreign intelligence services. • Training and Technology: The 902nd MI Group leads the Army in developing advanced CI training and leveraging technology for surveillance, cyber counterintelligence, and threat analysis. • Unit Motto and Insignia: The distinctive unit insignia features a sphinx, symbolizing secrecy and vigilance, and the motto “Vigile et Cautus” (“Alert and Wary”), reflecting the Group’s mission and ethos.