Module 1 - Case
TERRORISM AND DOMESTIC TERRORISM DEFINITIONS AND THEORY
Assignment Overview
Read the articles provided. Focus on groups, their agendas,
goals, ideology. Read Marighella, (1969). Mini-manual of the Urban Guerrilla to
gain an understanding as to why it is a primer document for terrorist tactics
throughout the Americas. I would suggest a review of Major Marques Command and
Staff Paper, 2003 as a counter balance to this manual.
You will note the reference to guerrilla warfare in lieu of
terrorism. They are different and at the same time very much alike in
personnel, tactics, strategy, tools and vision. Each organization has its own
signature or footprint that makes it unique.
Case Assignment
Link to “10 Terrorist Organizations Operating in the US”
Pick two (2) U.S. Domestic terrorist groups. Write an essay
that provides general understanding and applied insight into the groups’
theory, background and motivations plus answering the questions:
Why is the group a terrorist group?
Under which terrorist theory category does it fall?
Where does the group operate?
What are the group’s objectives?
How is the group organized?
How is the group financed?
Is the group linked to any other groups?
Does the group have strong organization and or
communications (security)?
Has/was the group been infiltrated by the FBI? If so, how?
Your assessment on the group’s future viability.
If you cannot find the answer to the above questions for
your group, then there must be a reason why? Use your critical thinking and
answer based on your views.
Assignment Expectations
Length: This Case Assignment should be at least 3-5 pages
not counting the title page and references.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to question.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standards guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Present and integrate points that lead
to deeper issues.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, multiple
issues and factors considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are
logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Avoid use of first person and subjective bias.
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Module 1 - SLP
TERRORISM AND DOMESTIC TERRORISM DEFINITIONS AND THEORY
Background:
In the case assignment you are required to identify three
different domestic terrorist groups and answer specific questions pertaining to
their operations, values, and tactics. One specific group, the Weathermen,
operated in the 1960s and 1970s. They were an outgrowth of the U.S.
anti-Vietnam War movement and the core leadership group within that movement
the Student’s for a Democratic Society. I have provided you significant
background on terrorism, domestic groups, theory, terrorist levels and
terrorist group differences. In the case of the U.S., groups from all sides of
the spectrum have emerged and disappeared. In this case, the Weathermen have
dissolved but many of its leaders hold positions of prestige and trust
throughout the U.S. This aspect of the group makes its study unique to issues
within domestic terrorism. And, a pertinent place to begin the SLP. Note that I
have provided no specific background reference to this group. If you research
and are fatally unable to find any information contact the professor for
assistance.
Weathermen
Objective: This assignment requires the student to read and
understand some of the indigenous U.S. groups involved in domestic terrorism.
This understanding leads the student to knowledge of the unique capabilities of
these groups; comprehension of the structure to support their operations; and
the ramifications of their activities successful or not. In this case the
Weathermen transcend their operational period into positions of importance
today.
Session Long Project
After reading the materials the students are tasked to
answer the following questions about the Weathermen in a maximum of three
pages:
What was the vision of this organization? What operations
did they conduct? What was the overall effect of those operations conducted?
What was the strategic goal of this organization?
Were they or are they successful? Explain.
Do the standards, laws, surveillance, media, and overall
view of the Weathermen apply equally to all domestic terrorist groups? Please
explain your answer.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Your ability to comprehend the historical (past, present and
future) significance of the Weathermen in the overall U.S. Domestic Terrorism
paradigm and the potential differences in response and acceptance for and from
this group compared to others in the spectrum.
Some in-text references to modular background readings (APA
formatting requested) and a reference page.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Length: This SLP Assignment should be at least 2-3 pages not
counting the title page and references.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to question.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Present and integrate points that lead
to deeper issues.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, multiple
issues and factors considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are logically
supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Avoid use of first person and subjective bias.
Module 2 - Case
TERRORISM AND DOMESTIC TERRORISM TACTICS AND VULNERABILITIES
Assignment Overview
The issue of homegrown terrorism and the recruitment and
radicalization of local nationals to fight for other’s causes is major topic
throughout the world. Supposed foreign fighters have fought for the current al
Qaeda throughout the world. This is well documented on their information web
sites and used as propaganda tools for financing, recruitment, and
establishment of their credibility. Many of these recruits return to their
homeland and perpetuate attacks against the establishment there.
Case Assignment
Cilluffo, Cozzens, and Ranstorp (2010) outline potential
problems areas associated with the trend of western nationals going into
troubled areas and becoming radicalized. Read this paper and using it with the
many sources contained within, answer the following questions:
What tools and techniques do terrorist recruiters use to
attract, interact with, and evaluate recruits?
Based on your research, how vulnerable does the U.S and
Western Europe remain today to this type of recruitment and utilization?
Explain your position.
How do terrorists use value analysis and vulnerability
assessment in selecting targets to attack?
Explain the Boyd loop and discuss its utility to
counterterrorism officials seeking to interdict terrorists before they act to
conduct a terrorist attack.
Assignment Expectations
Length: This Case Assignment should be at least 3-5 pages
not counting the title page and references.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to question.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standards guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Present and integrate points that lead
to deeper issues.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, multiple
issues and factors considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are
logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Avoid use of first person and subjective bias.
Module 2 - SLP
TERRORISM AND DOMESTIC TERRORISM TACTICS AND VULNERABILITIES
This module has introduced you to terrorist tactics and
targeting. Recommend you read Mao’s book and the Al Qaeda manual. These two
sources along with many others available for free on the internet invite
persons and groups to imitate, motivate, plan, and act in accordance with their
motivations. Understanding this capability and resource, this SLP will be
historical in intent. The student will research one of the key domestic terror
events or identified person who was charged with the perpetuation of the event.
And then answer the basic questions outlined in this module.
Select one of the following events/person: the 1993 World
Trade Center Bombing, the Oklahoma City Bombing, the Unabomber, the Centennial
Olympic Park Bombing, 2001 Anthrax Attacks, or the Fort Hood Attack.
Session Long Project
Explain the following:
What was the target/s?
Why was it selected?
What tactics were used?
What tools were used?
What were the expectations?
What were the outcomes of the events; e.g., media coverage,
public acceptance, goals achieved?
What vulnerabilities were recognized and mitigated after the
event? Or, were they?
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Your ability to comprehend the historical (past, present and
future) significance of the event you selected in the overall U.S. Domestic
Terrorism paradigm and the potential differences in response and acceptance for
and from this group/individual compared to others in the spectrum.
Some in-text references to modular background readings (APA
formatting requested) and a reference page.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Length: This SLP Assignment should be at least 2-3 pages not
counting the title page and references.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to question.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar and
spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Present and integrate points that lead
to deeper issues.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, multiple
issues and factors considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are
logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Avoid use of first person and subjective bias.
Module 3 - Case
SECURITY AND DOMESTIC ANTI-TERRORISM
Assignment Overview
The first two modules were concerned with the domestic
terrorist and terrorist groups. This module begins the background preparation
on the agencies tasked with preventing terrorists from being successful.
Case Assignment
What are the limits of power of the FBI in pursuing
surveillance of potential terrorists within and without the U.S.?
In your view, is the FBI adequately organized, staffed, and
trained to perform the myriad of missions tasked?
How has the USA Patriot Act impacted America's
counterterrorism efforts post-9/11 in balance with protecting civil liberties?
Explain the Department of Homeland Security's role in
combating domestic terrorism. What sub agencies are involved? What are their
missions?
In your opinion, what vulnerabilities would a terrorist see
based on your answers to the above four questions?
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Your understanding of the organization, roles and missions
of the FBI and Department of Homeland security.
Your ability to express the controversies associated with
these agencies attempting to perform their missions, obstacles in achieving
success, and the impact of the Patriot Act.
In-text references to the modular background readings (APA
formatting recommended) and a reference page. Outside background reading
sources encouraged and expected.
Assignment Expectations
Length: This Case Assignment should be at least 3-5 pages
not counting the title page and references.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (preferably
in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to question.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Present and integrate points that lead
to deeper issues.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, multiple
issues and factors considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are
logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Avoid use of first person and subjective bias.
Module 3 - SLP
SECURITY AND DOMESTIC ANTI-TERRORISM
Cops on the Front Lines; The First Defense Against a Strike,
Foreign or Homegrown
Police have been told a group of terrorists has just
launched a series of coordinated attacks targeting the L.A. subway system. We
know that there are hostages, and there are reports of injuries, but most
alarmingly, they have detected the presence of a device which appears to have
dispersed some sort of chemical agent.
Watch the terrorism response simulation: Intense
Counterterrorism Training With L.A. County Sheriff's Department - Crime Watch
Daily and answer the following questions:
How may life-threatening situations are represented here?
Besides the “Elite Counterterrorism Unit,” what other teams/
agencies, more than likely, would be involved in this scenario? Explain.
Does your town/city have a terrorism response component? If
so, how is it structured?
SLP Assignment Expectations
Length: This SLP Assignment should be at least 3-5 pages not
counting the title page and references.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to question.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Present and integrate points that lead
to deeper issues.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, multiple
issues and factors considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are
logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Avoid use of first person and subjective bias.
Module 4 - Case
DOMESTIC SECURITY AND CYBERTERRORISM
Assignment Overview
The purpose of this case is twofold. First, students will
become familiar with agencies involved in domestic security and
counterterrorism. There are too many agencies to present; therefore, I request
the student read their missions and histories. Students are encouraged to
deviate from the posted readings and look at the provided DHS organizational
chart, seek the charts from the Department of Health and Human Services, the
Military, the State Department, and the Justice Department to find out more.
The organizations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are deliberately left out because the
students should cover both of these agencies in depth in other classes. The
Case questions concern the interaction of key federal agencies when responding
to acts of terrorism.
Secondly, the narrative for this module outlined and
suggested further student research in domestic/international terrorism and a
beginning in Cyberterrorism. All three are linked and part of the fundamentals
of this course. The questions for the last module relate to all of the modules
backgrounds. When answering the questions consider the level of the terrorist
group mentioned, the organizations that would combat them, and the tactics
used. Boyd Theory and Gaming Theory are the key background for combating this
type of terror. The readings in guerrilla and terrorist tactics are important
in understanding the groups involved. Again, individual copy cats and lone wolf
terrorists are considered a part of the whole they are trying to emulate. These
individuals are the most difficult to detect and thwart. Consider the past
modules references to the Patriot Act and independent surveillance portended
across national and international borders and the reaction from dissident groups
concerning their “rights” infringement.
Case Assignment
Answer the following questions:
In Merutka, C. E. (2013). Use of the Armed Forces for
domestic law enforcement, Conclusion on p. 23: “The Armed Forces have always
engaged in domestic law enforcement.” Provide a recent example.
In the realm of counterterrorism, briefly explain the roles
and responsibilities of the a) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), b)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and c) United States Border Patrol.
Comment on a recent example of cyberterrorism. How is
cyberterrorism being addressed operationally and legislatively?
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Your ability to apply your understanding of the roles of the
assigned agencies in combating domestic terrorism and their interrelationships.
Your ability to express the effectiveness of the changes in
the entire spectrum of homeland security as applied to domestic terrorism.
In-text references to the modular background readings (APA
formatting recommended) and a reference page. Outside background reading
sources encouraged and expected.
Assignment Expectations
Length: This Case Assignment should be at least 3-5 pages
not counting the title page and references.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to question.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standards guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Present and integrate points that lead
to deeper issues.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, multiple
issues and factors considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are
logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Avoid use of first person and subjective bias.
Module 4 - SLP
DOMESTIC SECURITY AND CYBERTERRORISM
View the following video clips:
Police corner mass killer in Pulse Nightclub
Warning: This is not a simulation, but an actual event that
occurred on June 12, 2016 at an Orlando, FL nightclub. Therefore, video content
is graphic; language is graphic. Police are wearing body cameras. Shooter (now
deceased) was deemed a terrorist.
Timeline of the Orlando nightclub massacre.
Respond to the following:
Comment on how law enforcement have organized their approach
to finding the shooter; i.e., the dispersion of agents in the scene.
Comment on the number and types of emergency respondents.
Considering the law enforcement response to the Orlando
shooting, advocate a position for or against police militarization.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Length: This SLP Assignment should be at least 3-5 pages not
counting the title page and references.
References: At least two references should be included from
academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are
included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the
focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build
on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources,
it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text
and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section
(preferably in APA format).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your
paper according to question.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted for minor
errors, assignments are expected to adhere to standard guidelines of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar
and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
Relevance: All content is connected to the question.
Precision: Specific question is addressed. Statements,
facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
Depth of discussion: Present and integrate points that lead
to deeper issues.
Breadth: Multiple perspectives and references, multiple
issues and factors considered.
Evidence: Points are well-supported with facts, statistics
and references.
Logic: Presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are
logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
Clarity: Writing is concise, understandable, and contains
sufficient detail or examples.
Objectivity: Avoid use of first person and subjective bias.
Module 1 discussion
Theories and Practices of Domestic Terrorism
Number 1 discussion is based on: Kaplan, J. (2008).
Terrorism fifth wave: A theory, a conundrum, and a dilemma. Perspectives on
Terrorism, 2(2). Retrieved from: http://www.terrorismanalysts.com/pt/index.php/pot/article/view/26/html
Read pages 1-4: Four-Wave Theory and Characteristics of
Fifth Wave Groups. Comment on the establishment of a typical domestic
break-away group and give an example of an actual terrorist group in the United
States.
NOTE: Please cite references for all posts, including your
original post and all response posts.
Module 2 discussion
Winning/Losing Strategies for Domestic Terrorists
Based on your readings and recent events:
Give a recent example of a winning strategy (successful attack)
by a domestic terrorist.
Now give a recent example of a losing (unsuccessful)
terrorist attack.
Explain the objectives and the reasons for both outcomes.
NOTE: Please cite references for all posts, including your
original post and all response posts.
Module 3 discussion
Safeguarding Against Domestic Terrorist Attacks
Please comment on the current status of our Government's
ability to gather intelligence, monitor, infiltrate, and capture or neutralize
terrorists on domestic soil.
Consider using some of the following sources to respond to
this discussion:
http://fas.org/sgp/crs/terror/R41780.pdf
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/ten-years-after-the-fbi-since-9-11/just-the-facts-1/counterterrorism-1
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2013/07/60-terrorist-plots-since-911-continued-lessons-in-domestic-counterterrorism
NOTE: Please cite references for all posts, including your
original post and all response posts.
Module 4 discussion
The Insider Threat: Domestic Extremism in the U.S.
Military
America’s policy makers set forth legislation, policies, and
standards impacting the delicate balance between national security and civil
liberties. The Freedom of Expression guarantees protected by the First
Amendment include freedom of speech, of the press, of association, of assembly
and petition.
How would you characterize an active-duty military member
releasing classified information to Wikileaks…a) a lawful expression, b)
cyber-terrorism, c) treason, d) a criminal act, or e) something else? Please
explain your position.
NOTE: Please cite references for all posts, including your
original post and all response posts.
Module 4 reflective
discussion
Reflections
Assignment Expectations:
Address concept A and B in about 150 words each.
You will be graded on how well you demonstrate knowledge and
understanding of the concept, and critical thinking pertaining to the
applicability of the concept to your professional practice. Points awarded will
follow breakdown below.
You will neither be required to, nor graded on responses to
your peers. One posting will suffice.
The Assignment: Given the readings and assignments in the
course, identify and discuss two concepts or lessons learned that you believe
will be most applicable to your professional discipline.
Concept A (points 10/20):
Identify /define (points 4/20): ...
Your professional discipline: ...
How applicable (points 6/20): ...
Concept B (points 10/20):
Identify /define (points 4/20): ...
Your professional discipline: ...
How applicable (points 6/20): ......
All information in the postings can be shared by all for the
betterment of your project.
