AntiTerrorism_Level1 (1)
AntiTerrorism_Level1 (1)
LEVEL I TRAINING
CENSECFOR-AT-010-1.0
Introduction
Since September 11, 2001, the United States has been
engaged in an effort to protect the nation’s freedoms.
The world is dangerous and we are at war against an
enemy intent on destroying the American way of life.
While responding to this real and present danger, we
must remain vigilant while executing our responsibilities.
Stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and report
unusual or suspicious activity. Pay attention to the details
of antiterrorism briefings you receive on your locale and
when preparing to travel to a new location. Most
importantly, make security a part of your routine.
Exercise precautions to increase your personal security
American’s efforts to fight terrorism and the security of your family, colleagues, and
include virtually every government organization.
agency as well as friends and allies
around the world. Patience and persistence are the watchwords for
defeating terrorists. They are patient and cunning, and
they are waiting for you to let down your guard or settle
into a pattern of predictable behavior. Do not be a
tempting target. Be vigilant so we may successfully
defend America and our freedoms.
Threat Factors
There are eight factors you should consider to
understand the threat in your environment. Using
these factors, you can be better prepared for the
potential risks you face.
1. Are terrorist groups in the area?
2. Are they violent?
3. Do they attack Americans?
4. How active are they?
5. How sophisticated are they?
6. Are they predictable
7. Will local citizens warn Americans?
Improvised Explosive Devices 8. What tactics and weapons are used?
(IEDs) may be disguised as
everyday items. Terrorism is the calculated use of unlawful violence
or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear;
intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or
societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally
political, religions, or ideological.
How Terrorists Identify & Select Targets
Consider ways you might become a victim of a terrorist
attack. Several factors to keep in mind include:
Location: Terrorists may target locations frequented by
Americans or US military personnel such as certain
hotels, apartment buildings, public transportation
centers, and nightclubs. Avoid possible target locations.
Association: Terrorists may focus on American tourists,
personnel associated with the US Government, and
individuals who appear to be high-ranking or important.
Try to blend in with the local population. When
possible, avoid disclosing your DOD or US Government
While overseas it is advisable to affiliation.
conceal your DOD affiliation. Opportunity: Terrorists look for “soft targets.” Maintain
vigilance, practice good personal safety, and alert the
proper authorities of suspicious behavior.
To attack you, terrorists generally must perceive you,
your association, or your location as a target. Do not be
an easy target.
Combatant Command Overview
Groups and individuals have demonstrated their
willingness to employ terrorist tactics to further their
agendas. While some threats have a regional focus,
others have become international and affect multiple
areas. DOD personnel and assets have been targeted in
virtually every region of the world.
When traveling, you should receive a Combatant
Command terrorist threat briefing 90 days prior to
departure. Modify your personal protective measures
based upon the information in these briefings. Threat
briefings are based upon intelligence and local
historical factors and are designed to help you be safe
Threats vary in different parts of the – take them seriously.
world. Take time to learn about the
specific threats in your area. The following is a brief overview of the terrorist threat
by Combatant Command. More detailed information
for your region is available through your local
Antiterrorism Officer.
NORTHCOM Region
Within the United States, several organizations and individuals
use terrorist tactics to achieve their goals. Other organizations
provide direct and indirect assistance through fund-raising,
recruiting, and training support.
Terrorist attacks by Islamic extremists began in 1993 with the
first attack against the World Trade Center in New York. More
recently, the foiled terrorist plot against Fort Dix, New Jersey
demonstrates that Al-Qaida inspired groups still exist within the
nation’s borders.
Home-grown terrorism is also a reality. During the 1960s an
d70s, the Weathermen and the Armed Forces for Puerto Rican
National Liberation executed several small-scale terrorist
attacks. More recently, violent elements include the anti-
In 2001, anthrax tainted letters were abortion Army of God, the eco-terrorist Earth Liberation Front,
sent to several prominent individuals, and other domestic anarchist groups and individuals.
including the Senator Tom Daschle. Homegrown terrorists have employed various tactics such as
rudimentary letter bombs, improvised explosive devices, small
arms attacks, and truck bombs. Bioterrorism is also a concern in
view of the anthrax attacks in 2001.
Examples of prior terrorist activity in the NORTHCOM AOR
include the Oklahoma City Bombing, Fort Dix Plot, and the
2001 Anthrax Attacks.
CENTCOM Region
Within the CENTCOM region, Islamic extremists pose the
primary terrorist threat to US military and government
personnel. Since the mid-1990s, terrorists have
enhanced their capabilities and expanded their
influence and presence into other parts of the world.
In the areas of current US military operations, roadside
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) pose one of the
greatest threats to US forces. Additionally, local political
leaders, civilians, infrastructure, and international aid
personnel are terrorized by suicide bombings,
kidnappings, and murders. In many other parts of the
CENTCOM region, suicide bombers and gunmen target
Terrorists used a VBIED to attack hotels and tourist attractions to advance domestic
Khobar Towers in 1996 political and religious agendas.
Numerous terrorist organizations operate within the
CENTCOM region. In addition to Al-Qaida, other
organizations include Hezbollah, the Palestinian Islamic
Jihad, and the Ansar al-Islam.
Examples of prior terrorist activity in the CONTCOM
AOR include the Serena Hotel, Luxor Massacre at Deir
el0Bahri, and Khobar Towers.
PACOM Region
Terrorist groups in the PACOM region present diverse threats to
Americans. Some specifically target Americans and others
target public sites where Americans may become victims.
Additionally, there is evidence of ties between groups in the
PACOM region and al Qaida and other international groups.
Terrorist attacks in this region demonstrate a broad spectrum of
tactics. These include kidnappings, suicide bombings, and even
chemical attacks. Aleph, formerly known as Aum Shinrikyo,
attacked the Tokyo subway with Sarin nerve gas and cyanide in
1995. Abu Sayyaf, a Philippine group seeking to create a
radical Muslim state, targets Americans for kidnapping.
Terrorists have targeted DOD and other American assets in the
region. In 2001, Singaporean officials foiled a plot to attack
US military forces and western diplomatic missions. The group,
Jamaah Islamiya, seeks to create a radical Muslim state across
In 2008, terrorists attacked multiple South East Asia. In 2002, 2005, and 2009 it conducted
targets in Mumbai, India including bombings in Bali and Jakarta, Indonesia to kill western tourists.
the Taj Mahal Hotel.
Examples of prior terrorist activity in the PACOM AOR include
the Mumbai Attacks, the Singapore Plot, and Tokyo Subway
Attack.
SOUTHCOM Region
The primary terrorist threat in the SOUTHCOM region is
narcoterrorism and the continued operation of radical
leftist groups. Additionally, the ties between narco-
terrorists and radical extremists from the Middle East
are reportedly increasing. It is possible Latin American
countries may become a transit point for terrorists from
other parts of the world to enter the United States.
Unlike the 1980s, recent attacks against US interests are
focused primarily on businesses and not US military or
government assets. In addition to bombings and arson,
terrorist tactics include targeted assassinations and
kidnapping, especially against non-US assets.
Some of the most prominent terrorist organizations within
Narcoterrorism, as demonstrated by the SOUTHCOM region include the Revolutionary Armed
the August 2011 attack against the Forces of Colombia (FARC), the Colombian National
Casino Royale in Mexico, is a Liberation Army (ELN), and the Shining Path in Peru.
growing concern for US officials.
Examples of prior terrorist activity in the SOUTHCOM
AOR include the Attack on the Japanese Ambassador’s
Residence in Peru, Zona Rosa, and Casino Royale.
Terrorist Planning Cycle Overview
Terrorist prepare and conduct attacks through predictable
steps. Through vigilance, you may be able to recognize
preparations for an attack before it is executed.
Be alert to unusual behavior that may indicate intelligence
gathering, surveillance, collecting materials for attack, dry runs,
and rehearsals. For example: