This study examines the adequacy of present U.S. counterterrorist strategy and force development as an integral part of U.S. National Security policies. Emphasis is placed on countering the hostage and kidnapping duration event forms of terrorism and their destabilizing effect on U.S.--Third World relationships. The study includes a historical review of force development as a function of national security objective since the end of World War II. The historical aspect identifies those major weapons system programs which will likely dominate defense expenditures in the decade(s) ahead. The concept of an inadequate counterterrorist strategy will focus on the threat to U.S. National Security posed by changes taking place in the Third World. The increased U.S. dependence on foreign Third World natural resources and Soviet geostrategic gains are presented as a basis for challenging the current force development emphasis on nuclear and conventional forces. To meet the challenge of the possible inadequacy of current counterterrorist priority, a corollary to this thesis examines the potential contribution to National Security which could be made by a permanently organized rescue assault force equipped with the best available strategic transport technology.

ADB 074378 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)