The best-trained terrorist groups

Disclaimer:  I do not in ANY way condone terrorism.  I feel it's one of the great scourges of the modern era.  Neither am I interested in discussing the justifications, if such a word could be used, for the existence of terrorist groups or the tactics they employ.  All that is not what this thread is about.

We often admire and discuss the quality of training and esprit de corps of special forces around the world.  We have had a few threads on the forums where people indulge their jingoism and compare the quality of their country's forces with others.  However, rarely is discussed the quality of the equally covert terrorist groups whom the special forces are trained to combat.  Often, ignorance is mixed with contempt (read: we don't respect their skill), contempt for combatants who did not receive 'regular' training, as well as disdain for their tactics which would not permit us to respect them on any level. 

However, we know that such contempt is often misplaced.  First off, many terrorists are former military embarking on a new job.  Second, many, as part of covert operations, are given regular training and equipment by outside powers.  Third, even those who are not, many other groups have existed and fought for so long they surely picked up a thing or two about combat.  As for distaste for their tactics, well, the best soldiers in the world are those who fully appreciate the capabilities of their enemies, whether they like them or not.

So I wish to open up a discussion on the training given to terrorist groups, wherever they may be.  What motivates them?  Who trains or equips them?  And in what instances have their training paid off?

PS Once again, I'm not condoning terrorism or interested in a discussion about any justifications for their actions. 


Edited by Koichi - 04-Mar-2008 at 01:34

Hello to you all

The SAS are surely the best trained. They have a huge training base, millions in budget and the cream of the British Army to recruit from.

Well seeing them kill some 20 thousand Sri Lankan troops over the years including 1000 in one day back in 96 or 97 when they took full control of Jafna I would not dare say they are useless. Remember, they are suicidal people preferring to die rather than to submit.