The group is organized under the "A" Directorate of the FSB Special Operations Center (TsSN FSB), and tasked specifically with responding, preventing, and thwarting acts of terrorism. Alpha Group members are frequently requested by other sections of the FSB to provide operational assistance with situations that are either unique or highly complex in nature. Regional deployments to conflict-prone areas (such as Chechnya) are not uncommon. Although little is known about the exact nature of Alpha Group's primary directives, it is speculated that the unit is authorized to act under the direct control and sanction of Russia's political leadership. If this be the case, the group would be similar in practice to the "B" Directorate's secretive Vympel unit, and would strongly imply that Alpha Group is at once available for expanded police duties, essentially paramilitary applications, and/or additional covert military operations.