Significance of terrorist tactics and procedures for counter-terrorism intelligence strategy

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, the enemy is devoted to causing as much havoc as possible and to destroy as many lives as possible. 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. The only way to prevent tragedy is by being as prepared for potential dangers as is possible (Department 2007, 5). Experts on military tactics, psychology, and sociology have been researching patterns of behavior of the enemy in order to ascertain potential leads about impending dangers (Overcoming). Such preparation can help us determine where and when viable attacks are coming.

One example of preventative measures is the work of RAND homeland security research and analysis. In a document written by Jackson and Frelinger, it is determined that a hierarchy of prioritizing threats should be undertaken. Many threats to the United States will be classified as "niche" which are unlikely to result in any actual action (Jackson 2009, 7). Emerging threat scenarios should be classified as those which the enemy has a high degree of actually accomplishing. Criteria to be included in such an analysis will be the available weaponry and availability of circumstances in which a terrorist threat could be executed. This classification system allows people in charge of defense the ability to ignore lower plans with least likelihood of execution and give full attention to the terrorist plots which might actually succeed. There is simply not enough time or man power to go down every rabbit hole when the defense of the country is at stake. Prioritization easily eliminates a great deal of wasted time and effort which is greatly needed elsewhere.