WS-22 Terrorism

Question 1

State the definition of terrorism according to Joint Publication 3-07.2.

Answer 1

The unlawful use of violence or threat of violence to instill fear and coerce governments or societies. Terrorism is often idealized beliefs and committed in the pursuit of goals that are usually political.

Question 2

Describe the three typologies of terrorists and terror groups.

Answer 2

Political: force government to change structure or policies, or to achieve radical societal idealist.

Religion: Objectives/actions divinely guided; often tied to ethic and nationalist idealist.

Social: “Special interests” (e.g., animal rights, abortion rights)

Question 3

List the six possible terrorist objectives as described in the lesson.

Answer 3

Attract attention for cause
Demonstrate group power
Show government’s lack of power
Exact revenge
Obtain logistical support
Cause a government to overreact

Question 4

Describe the use of bombing as a common terrorist tactic.

Answer 4

Explosive devices commonly employed in warfare are now an integral part of the terrorists’ arsenal.

Improvised Explosive Device (IED) is the terrorists weapon of choice

i. Inexpensive to produce
ii. Detonation techniques
iii. Low risk to the perpetrator
iv. Placement/concealment
v. High attention-getting capacity

Question 5

State the four enduring policy principles that guide US counterterrorism strategy.

Answer 5

Make no concessions to terrorists

Bring terrorists to justice for their crimes

Isolate and apply pressure on states that sponsor terrorism to force them to change their behavior

Bolster the counterterrorist capabilities of those countries that work with the United States and require assistance

Question 6

Outline the seven-step terrorist planning cycle.

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Answer 6

Broad target selection: collection of data on larger number of potential targets

Intelligence and surveillance: information gathering on the targets with greatest possibility of success (e.g., schedules, security, layout)

Specific target selection: decision point

Pre-attack surveillance and planning: quantity and quality of data gathering increases, and usually is gathered over days to weeks

Attack rehearsal: often includes relocation to target site, testing of security responsiveness and escape routes, and checking equipment performance.

Action: generally, goal is to get in, get the jobs done, and get out before security forces can react

Escape and exploitation: escape plans well-rehearsed and exploration of successful attach vital to achieve desired effect.