Since counter terrorism is directly linked to terrorism, Operational Studies has both an academic and operational interest in terrorists and their methodologies, all to aid in the further development of counter terrorist training, techniques and procedures (TTP).
For those who study terrorism or are involved in counter terrorism it is quite obvious that the current declared Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) extends far beyond the borders of Iraq and Afghanistan. While only a few countries can be classified as State sponsors of terrorism, terrorist groups and support networks infect virtually every country in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
While several academic institutions track the global impact of terrorism on trade, commerce, politics, social reform, and human rights, Operational Studies is down in the weeds studying emerging groups, their attack methodologies, training capabilities, and patterns of behavior. Of particular interest is the migration of terrorist tactics and technologies from one group or region to another – an example being the type of IEDs and VBIEDS being used in Iraq in 2004 turning up in Afghanistan and Pakistan soon after.
Topics being tracked by Operational Studies include:
Shadow Wars: The Future Role of Special Operations and Clandestine Warfare in the Global War on Terrorism by Tom Hunter