TRAINEE GUIDE - Recruit Training Command - The US Navy

TRAINEE GUIDE A-950-0001
h. Special interest
INFORMATION SHEET 1-05-1 (continued)
(1) Terrorists that seek to influence specific issues, rather
than widespread political change.
(2) Extremists conduct acts of violence to force society to
change their attitudes about important issues; e.g., animal
rights, pro-life, environmental, etc.
(3) Example: Bombing of abortion clinics.
4. Categories of Motivation for Terrorists
a. Many terrorists are convinced that their cause has been betrayed
and exploited by outside sources; therefore, terrorists feel
justified in victimizing others.
b. The motivation for terrorists can be classified into three
categories.
(1) Rational
(a) Think through their options to determine if there are
less costly and more effective ways to achieve their
goals than by resorting to terrorism.
(b) They try to determine if terrorism will create enough
anxiety to attain their goals without causing a
backlash that will destroy their cause and themselves.
(2) Psychological
(a) Do not consider that they may be wrong and others may
be right.
(b) Have a “we versus they” outlook, which allows them to
dehumanize their victims.
(3) Cultural
(a) The fear of losing their language, religion, or
homeland triggers violence.
(b) Religious extremists are highly committed to their
cause and often are willing to sacrifice their lives
(i.e., suicide terrorists); e.g., Al-Qáida.
5. Types of Acts Committed by Terrorists
a. Assassinations; e.g., assassination of Archduke Ferdinand: June
1914.
b. Arson
c. Bombings; e.g., Bombing of U.S. Embassy In Beirut: April 1983.
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