Future U.S. Policy and Action: Defense Department Perspective

• NCJ Number: 123922
• Journal: Terrorism Volume: 11 Issue: 6 Dated: (1988) Pages: 546-550
• Author(s): C S Whitehouse
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: Paper presented at a conference sponsored by the George Washington University, the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, and the Leon and Marilyn Klinghoffer Memorial Foundation on "Terrorism: An Evaluation of the Reagan Years and an Agenda for the Next Administration," Washington, D.C., November 22, 1988.

Annotation

The Department of Defense is concerned about how terrorism fits into the issue of low-intensity conflict and the impact of international terrorism on U.S. relations with other countries.

Abstract

Terrorism and U.S. readiness to respond will continue. The military has units from all services that are well organized, trained, and equipped to conduct counterterrorist operations. The military will continue and increase the extent of cooperation that exists between the U.S. Special Operations Command and similar forces in other countries. This cooperation is particularly achieved through the training of foreign counterterrorist forces. Intelligence on terrorists is essential but difficult to obtain, since many groups are organized into cells that are difficult to penetrate. Compounding the terrorism issue is the involvement of insurgents and narcotics traffickers in terrorist activities. Another problem involves the coordination of military, police, and other organizations in dealing with terrorists. The Pentagon emphasizes both counterterrorism and what is called antiterrorism. In U.S. doctrine, antiterrorism is prevention and includes guards and fences around installations and security checks.