This research conducts an analysis of U.S. laws surrounding terrorism in order to assess the effects they have on military operations in asymmetric conflicts. Analysis is conducted through an introduction of U.S. terror laws and its intended purpose, contextualization of the term "terrorist" in an attempt to expand understanding of what it is, and case studies of two organizations listed as a terrorist group by the Department of State. Content of the analysis also includes historical applications of terrorism in order to assess whether terrorism is acultural. Findings from this research and analysis of data indicates that terrorism is a strategy or a tactic-not an ideology. As currently written, U.S. laws do not distinguish between acts of terror and the ideology that employs it. Consequently, the laws, therefore, restrict tactical options available to military forces conducting operations in non-linear combat environments.