Special Applications Division

Overview:

The Special Applications Division (OSP) is a joint project between the Committee for State Security (KGB) and Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) for the handling of information, technology, and individuals -empowered or otherwise- that are considered too sensitive or dangerous for the public of the Soviet Union.

Buried deep within the structure of two already secretive organizations, Special Applications is an unknown to most of the world. Its operations fall into two broad categories: ones that are state sanctioned, which are undertaken by appropriating the guise of an existing organization, and unsanctioned methods, performed by unaffiliated agents managed by handlers within Special Applications. State sanctioned operations are generally scenarios where the proper organization for the problem lacks the means to solve it; OSP agents are brought in for the duration mixed with non-OSP personnel, and seemingly disappear in the aftermath. Unsanctioned operations are often missions abroad, performed by mercenaries or individuals with no recorded connection to either of the OSP’s parent agencies, allowing for easy deniability should the operatives be discovered. Unsanctioned operatives who disobey the mandates placed on them by the OSP are deliberately compromised; some are even made targets of the OSP itself.

Asset Classification:

Individuals and organizations utilized to serve the ends of Special Applications are referred to as Assets; what duties and tasks they perform being determined by their classification and ability.

Internal Assets - Agents under the direct employ of the OSP, who form the working body of the Division. OSP’s own internal structures and its parent organizations also fall under this designation. Internal Assets rarely act outside of the USSR itself.

External Assets - Individuals or organizations who can be used as tools by Special Applications in achieving specific goals. External Assets are contracted using shell corporations or field agents in disguise, to ensure that OSP’s involvement will remain unknown. Considered disposable.

Accessory Assets - A middle ground between Internal and External assets. Organizations or companies used as fronts are in this category. Individuals rated as Accessory to Special Applications may have varying level of knowledge about the Division itself, depending on their relationship with their handler. However the compartmentalization of the OSP ensures that no Accessory will ever posses full knowledge of Special Applications. Accessory individuals who indicate potential to betray their knowledge to the outside world are eliminated.

History:

Special Applications was created during the reforms of the mid-twentieth century by intelligence operatives who feared the reforms would impact the ability of the existing Soviet intelligence apparatus to counter Western intelligence efforts. As such, Special Applications exists as a holdover from the old regime. It employs means and methods that, while considered distasteful by many of its operatives, are seen as necessary to defend what so many sacrificed to achieve.