War on terrorism could be less visible than Gulf War

WASHINGTON -- They are known as the quiet soldiers, slipping behind enemy lines with machine guns, rifles and anti-tank weapons. The United States is likely to rely on special forces to uproot terrorists.

Americans saw much of the Gulf War on television. They watched bombs strike Iraqi targets on video replayed so often it resembled a computer game.

The new fight against terrorists might not be as open.

"It may include dramatic strikes visible on TV and covert operations -- secret even in success," President Bush said.

Operations like those mounted by special forces are played out in the shadows. It is not even clear that operations in which troops might be killed will be disclosed, at least right away, said Edward Turzanski, a national security analyst at LaSalle University.

"Where it's a broader use of force, you'll know about it," he said. "But when we're using special forces, there will be no indication that that's the case."

Added retired Army Brig. Gen. David Grange, a former member of the military's special forces: "We keep a low profile. On a lot of missions, you can't say anything. Some are tied to things still going on and you compromise people and jeopardize lives."

Some special forces' missions during the Gulf War remain classified, said Grange, a veteran of a counterterrrorist unit.

Special forces might infiltrate Afghanistan by helicopter, launch a quick strike against a hideout of the Taliban religious militia or train resistance groups.

They also might pinpoint bombing targets. Using a handheld "laser target designator," a commando can put a laser spot on a vehicle or building. A laser-guided bomb launched from a plane, high above and miles away, can home in on the laser spot.