Tactical & Operational Learning by Terrorist Groups

Project summary 2003-ij-cx-1022 Rand will investigate how terrorist groups, both intenational and domestic , enhance their capabilities to stage terorist operations through tactical and operational learning. It will draw from the literature on organizational learning as well as domestic and international terrorist data sources on group operations and learning practices to develope and refine a model. This model will be testedin a series of case studies to explore the processes Through which different terrosist organization: A) Master particular weapons, tactics, and operational strategies. B) Acquire necessary knowledge to carry out research and manufacturing processes to produce desired weapons or materials that are not readily accessible; and C) Perform tactical learning and intelligence gathering to develope the information and plans needed for individual attacks. Th researchers will draw on experts within both intelligence and law enforcement via RAND's connection to both communities. A common picture of learning processes within these organization will be constructed and presented to work of internal and external experts for critique and input before prodution of the final project report.