The CSG is composed of experts on terrorism from across government agencies and makes recommendations to the deputies who assist the president’s Cabinet in formulating a response to crises involving terrorism. It is likely that the CSG task force, if contacted, would have recommended FEST aid, according to CBS.
CBS reported that the lack of coordination with the Counterterrorism Security Group made the response to the Benghazi crisis still more confused. One official told CBS News that the FBI received a call during the attack representing Clinton and requesting agents be deployed. But he and his colleagues explained the call was just a gesture and could not be implemented.
He said his colleagues at the FBI agreed the agents “would not make any difference without security and other enablers to get them in the country and synch their efforts with military and diplomatic efforts to maximize their success.”