STRATEGIC MUTUAL AID RESPONSE TO TERRORISM: A NEW APPROACH

Abstract

This research examines military doctrine and warfare maneuver strategy to determine its efficacy for improving law enforcement command and control efforts for mutual aid during paramilitary terrorist attacks. A qualitative analysis of case studies was conducted on terrorist attacks in Boston, Paris, and San Bernardino to uncover commonalities with the law enforcement response challenges. The identified law enforcement challenges were then compared with aspects of warfare maneuver strategy and military doctrine that were shown to demonstrate utility for improving law enforcement response efforts. The results indicate that warfare maneuver strategy and military doctrine can be used to improve law enforcement command and control efforts for mutual aid during paramilitary terrorist attacks. Recommendations include implementing a reciprocal model of command and control, establishing a strategy for providing mutual aid resources during paramilitary terrorist attacks, and providing training that reinforces key principles of military doctrine without creating a police force that mirrors the military. To summarize, this is a SMART approach, a Strategic Mutual Aid Response to Terrorism.