This publication, "Counterterrorism (Joint Publication 3-26)," provides joint doctrine for the planning and execution of counterterrorism across the range of military operations. Terrorism has evolved as a preferred tactic for ideological extremists around the world, directly or indirectly affecting millions of people. In addition to increasing law enforcement capabilities for counterterrorism (CT), the United States (US), like many nations, developed specialized, but limited, military CT capabilities. In joint doctrine, CT was simply defined as operations that include the offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, preempt, and respond to terrorism. In addition to any diplomatic and law enforcement actions, the US Government (USG) typically viewed CT missions as special operations by covert, clandestine, or low visibility means. CT is one of the core tasks of the US special operations forces (SOF), and their role and additive capability is to conduct offensive measures within Department of Defense's (DOD's) overall combating terrorism (CbT) efforts. Some significant policy and strategy adjustments were required because terrorism has evolved from a tactic of inducing fear in select populations/areas to a transnational threat of strategic proportion. After September 11, 2001, the US, along with multinational partners, embarked on what was characterized as a "global war on terrorism (GWOT)." That war has proven the need for expanded CT capabilities and a broader role for the US military in unified action against terrorism. That increasing role for conventional forces (CF), the need for truly unified action, and an increased emphasis on an indirect approach has led to developing this doctrine with a new definition for CT. The Department of State (DOS) was given the lead in developing policy action plans that employ both incentives and disincentives to end state sponsorship of terrorism. This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint
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