How Al Qaeda Trains

Very rudimentarily:

It might be a surprise to most people to realize how little training it takes to be a terrorist. Of course, the suicide bomber need only have the commitment and blind courage to place himself/herself in relatively close proximity to the target. It's a bit more complicated to do the job and stay alive.

When recruiting individuals for al Qaeda-type terrorist jobs, the first requirement is to be able to pass the clearance tests. Recommendations from acceptable imams are the best way to get through the door. Similarly, known and trusted mujaheddin references are always useful. It is true, however, that the vetting process continues during the entire training period through to the final operational stage. There is an overarching need to avoid penetration by "crusader" security services and their apostate agents.

It is also an aim of the al Qaeda recruiters to separate out the various categories of volunteers by their education, intelligence, physical and technical ability. Knowledge of foreign languages and access to and familiarity with target countries and specific targets is also an important factor. In other words, the clearance and vetting process follows a natural logic.

Having successfully gone through the initial vetting period, the second stage could involve a trip from Pakistan to the border areas of the Baujur region and Waziristan for field training -- but not necessarily. The truth is that in practice local volunteers in target countries often never leave their home environment and merely receive limited training within their cell group.

The advantage Al Qaeda possesses is not that they are good soldiers--they are not. It is that they are religious fanatics who can meld into the population. The more they attack Iraqis, the harder it is for them to meld in, as we're seeing now.