Skills of the Assassin

Skills of the Assassin: Understanding the Tactics of the Professional Killer

by R.J. Godlewski

1. Acknowledgments
2. CHAPTER ONE: WHY A BOOK ON THE SKILLS OF AN ASSASSIN?
3. CHAPTER TWO: A NEIGHBOR WITH A PENCHANT FOR DEATH: THE MENTALITY OF AN ASSASSIN.
4. CHAPTER THREE: NOW YOU SEE DEATH, NOW YOU DON’T: PHYSICAL CONDITIONING AND DISGUISE.
5. CHAPTER FOUR: TARGET FAMILIARIZATION & WEAPONS SMUGGLING.
6. CHAPTER FIVE: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND MONEY LAUNDERING.
7. CHAPTER SIX: SAFE HAVENS, SECURE COMMUNICATIONS, AND ESCAPE AND EVASION PLANS.
8. CHAPTER SEVEN: HUMAN DEATH…AND KILLING HUMANS: THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE ASSASSIN.
9. CHAPTER EIGHT: ANNOTATED EXCERPTS FROM THE CIA AND AL-QAEDA ASSASSINATION MANUALS.
10. CHAPTER NINE: CONCLUSION.

"Libraries are filled with books on the Assassins, their history, exploits, and even modern video gamers’ infatuation with the ancient cult. However, there remains little discussed on the particular skill sets of an assassin – the modern terrorist, hired killer, or transnational criminal that you are most likely to encounter within the early decades of the 21st century..."

"In Hollywood, your typical 'assassin' represents a breathtakingly beautiful woman or, perhaps, a beefed-up hunk with just enough facial hair to drive women crazy. This violates the first law of covert warfare: do not call unnecessary attention to yourself..."

R.J. Godlewski (GOD LESS KEY) is an independent counterterrorism consultant, the director of the private International Nuclear Emergency Response Team [INERT], and the author of several novels, commentaries, and professional articles. He is the author and architect of the Web-based Independent Counterterrorist training program. He is currently a graduate student at American Military University completing his M.A. in Military Studies, Asymmetrical Warfare concentration, and graduate certificate in Security Management. Mr. Godlewski holds a B.A. in Intelligence Studies, Terrorism Studies concentration with a minor degree in Area Studies - Middle East with honors from American Military University. He further holds an undergraduate certificate in Explosive Ordnance Disposal and is a veteran of both the United States Navy and Navy Reserve. His most recent article is "Financial Counterintelligence: Fractioning the Lifeblood of Asymmetrical Warfare" American Intelligence Journal 29 no. 2 (2011): 24-33.