Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
this knowing that our mere presence makes us targets for the groups that
seek our destruction. The only course of action open to us is to prepare
ourselves to face this type of threat and counter the danger we face from
well-trained and well-financed fanatical groups that are willing to kill
themselves if it will cause harm to America. And, unfortunately, this is
likely to be the reality for the foreseeable future. We must, therefore, appre-
ciate this new reality and take the necessary actions to protect ourselves.
How should we begin to answer these new challenges? The first step
is to understand that you are at risk and may very well be targeted for
attack by terrorists or common criminals. Do not assume that you are not
already in the cross-hairs of some radical organization. If you begin by
honestly evaluating your risk, then you can take the precautions necessary
to avoid becoming a target.
Common elements in criminal and terrorist attacks must be con-
sidered when determining a level of risk associated with a particular facil-
ity or individual. Focus needs to be paid to both the potential attacker and
the potential target. Among these elements related to the potential
assailants are:
Desire:
Individuals and organizations need to have a desire or moti-
vation to justify their actions or receive some tangible benefit from
their actions.
●
Ability:
Individuals and organizations need to recognize their abil-
ity (physical skill, knowledge, available assets) to conduct a strike.
●
Opportunity:
Individuals and organizations select their targets based
on vulnerability.
●
Now the analysis must shift to the potential victim. Are you an attrac-
tive target? Criminals and terrorists manifest desire, acquire ability, and
then look for opportunity. You may very well become a target if you meet
these three elements:
1.
Suitability:
Would an attack on you further the goals of a criminal
or terrorist?
2.
Vulnerability:
Are you vulnerable to attack?
3.
Probability of Success:
Is an attack on you likely to succeed?
A potential civilian target can do nothing to influence the desire and
ability of terrorist groups. Concerted efforts by the military and law enforce-
ment establishments of law-abiding nations certainly can have an impact
on terrorists' ability to strike. Military action, arrest, and harrassment by
