Dinner Table Discussion

The Intelligence Value of Religion in the Global War on Terror

Timothy K. Bedsole

Since 9/11, Special Operations Forces have been at the forefront of the Global War on Terrorism. As a result, their expertise has been highly recognized in military operations ranging from counter insurgency to nation building, thereby creating one of the greatest force multipliers in the US Military arsenal. The basis of their expertise is the ability to incorporate cultural intelligence into their operations. Post-9/11, a growing awareness of the role of religious identity in Areas of Operations has caused our nation's leaders to increasingly focus attention on religious ideology. An example from the recent "Long War Brief" addresses countering the religious ideology of "Extremist Islamic groups." Doing so requires a deeper understanding of the effects of religion upon society.

Participants may find it useful to read Bedsole's paper "Religion: The Missing Dimension in Mission Planning (pdf)".

Chaplain (Major) Timothy K. Bedsole SR serves as the World Religions Instructor for USAJFKSWCS. His degrees include a Bachelor in Biblical Studies from Florida Baptist Theological College, a Master in Divinity in pastoral counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master in Theology in Religion and Society from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has served as a Chaplain since 1990 and his previous assignments include the 24th Infantry Division, 1st Armor Division, and 36th Engineer Group. His deployments include two tours to Iraq, and one each to Somalia, Bosnia, and Kosovo.