About this Unit
The 528th Military Intelligence Battalion (Interrogation) traces its lineage to the U.S. Army’s efforts to provide specialized intelligence support to special operations forces. Activated in the late 20th century, the unit became a crucial component of the 528th Sustainment Brigade (Special Operations) (Airborne), providing dedicated human intelligence (HUMINT) and interrogation capabilities. The battalion supported operations in conflicts such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where its interrogators played vital roles in gathering actionable intelligence from detainees. Known for their advanced training and integration with special operations, the 528th MI’s interrogation teams have contributed significantly to mission success in sensitive and high-risk environments.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The lineage of the 528th Military Intelligence Battalion (MI), particularly its interrogation elements, traces back to specialized intelligence units formed during World War II to exploit enemy prisoner of war (EPW) information.
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Modern Activation: The 528th MI Battalion was reactivated and designated as the 528th Military Intelligence Battalion (Special Operations) (Airborne) on 16 September 1987, underscoring its specialized role in supporting U.S. Army Special Operations Forces.
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Role in Interrogation Operations: The battalion has provided skilled interrogators, human intelligence (HUMINT) collectors, and counterintelligence support to numerous special operations missions, often deploying in small, specialized teams.
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Support to Special Operations: The 528th MI is part of the 528th Sustainment Brigade (Special Operations) (Airborne), making it unique as the only military intelligence unit directly supporting U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC).
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Operation Just Cause: During the 1989 invasion of Panama, 528th MI elements conducted critical interrogation and exploitation operations, providing actionable intelligence on Panamanian Defense Forces and Noriega loyalists.
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Gulf War Contributions: In Operation Desert Storm (1991), the 528th MI deployed teams to the Middle East, gathering and analyzing intelligence from captured Iraqi prisoners, which contributed to coalition operational planning.
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Afghanistan and Iraq Deployments: Since 2001, 528th MI personnel have been instrumental in both Afghanistan and Iraq, conducting interrogations, document exploitation (DOCEX), and sensitive site exploitation (SSE) in support of Special Operations missions.
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Language and Cultural Expertise: 528th MI soldiers are often highly trained linguists, fluent in key operational languages such as Arabic, Pashto, Dari, and others, enabling effective interrogation and intelligence gathering from detainees.
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Innovative Intelligence Techniques: The unit has been at the forefront of developing and employing advanced HUMINT and interrogation techniques, often collaborating with other U.S. government agencies.
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Unit Motto and Ethos: The 528th MI Battalion’s motto, “Silent Warriors of the Night,” reflects its clandestine, behind-the-scenes role in enabling the success of special operations through intelligence and interrogation expertise.
