NCJ Number
44796
Date Published
1976
Length
78 pages
Annotation
THE URBAN TERRORIST THREAT IN THE UNITED STATES IS EXAMINED, AND THE FEASIBILITY OF AN ANTITERRORIST ROLE FOR THE U.S. MILITARY IS EXPLORED.
Abstract
THE REPORT OPENS WITH A REVIEW OF THE EVOLUTION OF URBAN TERRORISM IN THE UNITED STATES, A DISCUSSION OF THE OBJECTIVES OF URBAN TERRORISTS, AND PREDICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE THREAT POSED BY URBAN TERRORISTS DURING AND AFTER THE BICENTENNIAL YEAR. THE POSSIBILITY THAT URBAN TERRORISTS MAY ISOLATE THE UNITED STATES FROM ITS ALLIES AND CREATE A DIVISION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE IS BROUGHT OUT. THE CAPACITY OF CIVILIAN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO RESIST URBAN TERRORISM IS ASSESSED. THE LEGALITY OF AN ANTITERRORIST ROLE FOR THE U.S. MILITARY IS CONSIDERED. THE CAPACITY OF THE MILITARY TO ASSUME SUCH A ROLE IS ANALYZED IN TERMS OF INTELLIGENCE, COMMUNICATIONS, TRAINING, AND SUPPORT. THE LIKELY EFFECT OF AN ANTITERRORIST MISSION ON THE PRIMARY ROLE OF THE MILITARY IS CONSIDERED, AS IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR SUCH A MISSION. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES POSSESS INSUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO COMBAT URBAN TERRORISM AND THAT THE SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL OF THE MILITARY SHOULD PLAY AN INCREASED ROLE, WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE CONSTITUTION AND PUBLIC SUPPORT. SPECIFIC SUGGESTIONS FOR MILITARY PARTICIPATION IN ANTITERRORIST ACTIVITIES ARE OFFERED. IT IS NOTED THAT SUCH PARTICIPATION WOULD PROVIDE MILITARY PERSONNEL WITH TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IN GUERRILLA WARFARE. A BIBLIOGRAPHY IS INCLUDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED-LKM)