Profile of a Terrorist

In recent years, the Terrorist Leader Profile has evolved into a more comprehensive and understandable form. In the late 60's and throughout the 70's and 80's, a Terrorist Leader was profiled as a bored, rich kid, with too much time on his hands and money to spend, while looking for a cause to relate to and join in. This was the case with the now imprisoned Carlos the Jackel. Though this was a generic profile, it was what Anti/Counter Terrorism experts had to work with.With the recent State of Terrorism, both Domestically and on the International front, the following is an updated, educational profile of a Terrorist Leader as developed from research conducted by OliCorp. International's Center for the Advancement of Security Management & Unconventional Warfare Studies.

Terrorist Leader Profile:

1. Educated, with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree, and possibly some Doctorate studies.

2. Areas of Education include Engineering, Business, Architecture, Biology, Chemistry, Medical, etc. These fields offer a form of status and prestige and act as a means for concealing true intentions.

3. Not necessarily a loner. In fact, gets involved in some type of relationship which is also an act to conceal true intentions.

4. Some type of military/paramilitary training and experience. Enough to where he can train his followers to a basic operational level. This not only includes weapons and tactics training, but also intelligence and counterintelligence, communications technology, counterrevolutionary warfare, etc.

5. He is also charismatic; the ability to convince simple individuals to join his cause for the good of an ideology or belief. this would include religious, nationalism, anarchism, organized crime, etc.

6. Law-abiding. Willing to follow established laws so as not to draw attention to himself, his cause, and true intentions.

7. Normal Disposition. Ability to act as a normal person to avoid drawing attention to himself. Is somewhat social and interacts with the working class.

8. Has the ability to conceptualize an idea and turn it into a realtime mission.

9. Can conduct a detail study of the mission and rationalize the pros and cons of the target(s), and how to achieve success of the mission while sacrificing members of the cause.10. Truly believes that his mission is right and just, and the killing of Combatants and Civilians is incorporated into the mission for psychological effects.

11. Sometimes may get involved in personal risk-taking endeavors such as monitoring or executing the mission.

Not all of these factors need to be present for a Terrorist to be a Leader. But, a skilled Terrorist will use those factors he is aware of to his benefit, and seek a form of critique to improve operational effectiveness. As an example, it has been documented that when a Terrorist Group conducts an operation for another Terrorist Organization, it will seek advice and operational review from other highly skilled Terrorist Leaders. This not only acts as a form of acceptance from other groups, but, also aids in that groups maturity and tactical preparation.

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Sergio olivares, AA, BA, LSC Executive Director, Chief Security Consultant, and Terrorism Specialist OliCorp. International Center for the Advancement of Security Management & Unconventional Warfare Studies