CSCT #1, Camp Long, Korea

• Origins of CSCT #1: CSCT #1 (Counterintelligence Screening & Control Team #1), also known as the 502nd MI Detachment, was established as part of the U.S. Army’s counterintelligence mission in Korea during the Cold War, focusing on screening and monitoring potential threats. • Location - Camp Long: Camp Long was located near Wonju, South Korea. The camp was named after Sergeant Charles R. Long, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War. • Key Mission: CSCT #1 was responsible for counterintelligence operations, including background checks, interrogations, and surveillance to prevent espionage and infiltration by North Korean agents. • Joint Operations: The team often worked closely with the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) and other allied intelligence services, fostering close cooperation between U.S. and Korean forces. • Camp Life: Camp Long was considered a relatively small installation, with a close-knit community. Soldiers stationed there often formed strong bonds due to the camp’s remote location and unique mission. • Cold War Tensions: During the height of the Cold War, CSCT #1 played a crucial role in identifying North Korean sympathizers and countering infiltration attempts along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). • Human Intelligence (HUMINT): The unit specialized in HUMINT activities, including interviewing refugees, defectors, and local civilians to gather actionable intelligence. • Language Skills: Many members of CSCT #1 were trained in Korean language and culture, which was essential for effective intelligence gathering and building rapport with local contacts. • Deactivation and Legacy: Camp Long and CSCT #1 were deactivated in the early 2010s as part of the consolidation of U.S. forces in Korea. The unit’s legacy continues through the ongoing U.S.-ROK intelligence partnership. • Veteran Reminiscences: Former CSCT #1 members have shared stories online about their unique experiences, such as conducting field interviews in harsh Korean winters, and the camaraderie developed while serving in a high-stakes, low-visibility role.