Terrorist Tactics
Understanding the enemy is an important aspect of defense. In fact, it is perhaps the most important aspect of being able to protect the people of your country. Since September 11th, 2001 the primary enemy of the United States has been terrorist organizations throughout the world, particularly in the Middle East. Terrorists have been a problem for Americans before that time as indicated by incidences throughout American history, up to and including the 1970s and 1980s. However, since the 2001 attacks, the enemy has been more blatant about their attitudes towards the United States and with regard to their intentions for citizens of the United States. Terrorism is defined by the American Department of Defense as "The calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear: intended to coerce or to intimidate government or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological" (Department 2007, 6). The key word in this definition is "calculated." Terrorist attacks are most often well thought out and planned to the minutest detail. With terrorism,...
By evaluating the past actions of terrorist groups it is possible to determine where they are likely to strike, to what purpose, and with what weaponry they will apply their acts of villainy.
There are terrorist attacks on United States soil, as well as assaults on American allies on an almost continuous basis (Emerging). The most famous recent incident occurred in Benghazi were American citizens, including an American ambassador, were murdered in our on embassy. Since that event, political persons have been placed under more minute scrutiny from American citizens who demand answers for these events. Americans are quite understandably concerned that not enough is being done to protect its citizens but of course those in the know understand that this is not the case. It is the intention of all military personal, whether actively engaged in combat or working behind the scenes to prevent any and all attacks on American citizens either at home or abroad. In order to do this, research and analysis must be conducted.…
