TERRORISM Terrorism is the unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence against individuals or property. Terrorists intend to coerce (force) or intimidate governments or societies. Terrorism is used for political, religious, or ideological purposes. Acts of terrorism directed against naval personnel, activities, or installations can destroy critical facilities and injure or kill personnel. Terrorism can delay mission accomplishment and cause damage through adverse publicity and public perception (the way people see the action) of incident handling and results. Terrorists  use  many  methods  of  operation,  which may  include  bombings,  ambush,  armed  attack, sabotage, or taking hostages. The two most publicized terrorist  methods  are  bombings  and  taking  hostages. The  terrorist  method  generally  used  toward  military forces is bombing. However, at times, naval or military personnel  have  been  taken  hostage  as  a  result  of  an aircraft highjacking or of highjacking personnel using some other means of transportation. Military personnel, and particularly naval personnel, are often stationed in or visit foreign countries. Some of these countries have significant levels of terrorist activity. Indications  and  warnings  of  terrorist  activity against  naval  installations  or  personnel  are  normally received from U.S. security authorities or through the security  agencies  of  host  countries.  These  warnings usually  come  in  the  form  of  threat  conditions (THREATCONS).  Threat  conditions  range  from THREATCON   ALPHA   (the   lowest   degree   of readiness)  to  THREATCON  DELTA  (the  highest degree  of  readiness).  Each  threat  condition  contains several  measures  that  must  be  adopted  before  that degree  of  readiness  is  fully  set.  When  stationed  in  or visiting  foreign  countries,  you  will  receive  a  brief concerning the threat condition in force at that time. When  visiting  foreign  countries,  you  must  be constantly aware of what is going on around you. The actions  of  terrorist  groups  are  rarely  advertised. Terrorists normally choose places of business that have a  high  volume  of  target  personnel  present  (such  as nightclubs, restaurants, airports, and shopping centers). Be more careful at night, when the cover of darkness helps the terrorist hide his or her activities. Be alert and notice anything out of the ordinary and report it to the proper  authorities.  You  could  identify  a  possible terrorist operation. Although terrorist attacks within the United States aren’t  as  common  as  in  other  countries,  they  have happened.  The  same  levels  of  awareness  that  you practice when visiting foreign countries are necessary here  as  well.  Being  alert  when  you  are  on  or  around military  installations  could  mean  the  difference between the success or failure of a terrorist operation, not to mention the lives of your shipmates. BOMB THREATS When detonated or ignited, a bomb can injure or kill personnel and damage material. Bombs are classified as explosive  or  incendiary.  An  explosive bomb  causes damage  by  fragmentation,  heat,  and  blast.  The  heat produced  often  causes  a  secondary  incendiary  effect. An  incendiary bomb  generates  fire-producing  heat without substantial explosion when ignited. Bombing occurs  when  an  explosive  bomb  detonates  or  an incendiary bomb ignites. A bomb threat may happen anytime or anywhere. It can  be  made  by  a  terrorist  group  or  a  disgruntled employee. Many bomb threats are unfounded (not real). False bomb threats make people complacent (at ease). Don’t assume a bomb threat is a hoax (not real) until you’re sure. Safety is the major concern! Bomb threat. A bomb threat is a message delivered by telephone  or  letter.  A  bomb  may  be  delivered through the mail as a letter or a suspicious package. A  bomb  threat  may  or  may  not  contain  the following information: The bomb’s location The time for detonation/ignition An ultimatum related to the detonation/ignition or concealment of the bomb Bomb   incident.    A    bomb    incident    is    the detonation/ignition of a bomb, discovery of a bomb, or receipt of a bomb threat. 22-15 Student Notes: