Connecting Scholars and Practitioners:

Reflections on the Development of the Combating Terrorism Center at

West Point

Dr. James Forest, Director of Terrorism Studies

Agenda

Introduction1 – Establishing the CTC2 – Pursuing Three Core Mission Areas3 – Achievements, Years 1 Thru 64 – Challenges, Years 1 Thru 65 – Lessons Learned

Establishing the CTC

The Context, Post-9/11 Increasing demand for courses & informed analysis

Sources of FundingUSMA AlumniPrivate sectorGovt. projects

Additions 2004-2005The Founders, 2001-2003

Mr. Viola, COL Howard, CPT Sawyer , GEN Downing

3 Core Mission Areas

1) Teaching• Develop and teach courses at West Point• Contribute to the development of intellectual capacity for organizations in the

military, law enforcement and intelligence communities

2) Research• Contribute meaningfully to the expansion of the Terrorism Studies field• Connect scholars with practitioners• Examine issues that enhance the understanding of al-Qaida and others

targeting the U.S.• Provide insights that are relevant and accessible to operators and the

general public

3) Policy/Strategy Advice• Contribute to new strategic thinking about counterterrorism policies and

strategies• Offer informed analysis of existing and proposed policies and strategies for

counterterrorism

Achievements, Years 1 thru 6

1) Teaching• 5 courses developed, incorporated into West Point curriculum• Minor in Terrorism Studies• External education programs (FBI, FDNY, NYPD)

2) Research• 12 edited volumes, 4 authored books, 25 articles, etc.• Research reports (Harmony series, Iraq, Militant Ideology Atlas, etc.)• The Sentinel (monthly journal), 10,000+ subscribers

3) Policy/Strategy Advice• Congressional Testimony• Defense Science Board, Army Science Board, military briefings, etc.

4) Other• Academic conferences (Internet radicalization, AfPak, SE Asia, etc.• Funding source diversification

Indicators of Success

Challenges, Years 1 thru 6

Internal hurdles to establishing a new academic unit at West Point:• 13 academic departments, divided over budget, curricular priorities, cadet time• Who’s in charge? Accountability issues and personality clashes• Security concerns: physical protection? antagonizing a lethal enemy?• Office space, support staff, and computer network support• Personnel (are they qualified to teach other courses in the department? Will they

relocate to West Point for short-term, funding-dependent contracts?)

• Establishing a website (logistics, regulations, technical control and security issues, design and appearance considerations, content control issues, bureaucratic resistance, lack of a dedicated webmaster or technical expert . . . )

External challenges:• Army concerns: Is a CTC really necessary? Why at West Point?• Ensuring academic integrity, ideological neutrality (critical for bridge-building)• Funding issues: perceptions, military regulations, logistics (AOG)

Lessons Learned

Establish Purpose and Relevance• Must contribute in multiple, meaningful ways (our emphasis on education and

scholarly-policy bridge-building has been a key to our relevance and success)

Define a lane, stay in it, but don’t be afraid to take risks• Establish boundaries; don’t be too opportunistic, even if this constrains funding

opportunities; maintain academic integrity, ideological neutrality

Assemble and “Lead” the Right Herd of Cats

Build a “Cloud Network” of multi-disciplinary collaboration

Establish a Robust Communications Effort• Work with institutional public affairs office on media relations• Give briefings to whomever asks (from Rotary clubs to Congressional staff)

Diversify funding sources• Establish a long-term endowment