( CNN ) The videos taken by citizens of Paris during Wednesday 's attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo indicate significant training on the part of terrorists . Here are some things any military professional would observe : . • The uniform : All the attackers are uniform in appearance . All have vests capable of holding multiple magazines of ammunition for their weapons , and perhaps grenades . Additionally , they are all wearing what appear to be heavy coats . That could indicate either body armor or possibly suicide vests underneath to be detonated if captured . Some experts are suggesting `` they came to kill , not to die , '' but those of us with experience in these kinds of encounters might suggest they came to kill until they are trapped -- then they will willingly die if they can kill more by detonating a suicide vest as a last resort . • Use of weapons : The terrorists were wielding AK-47s , according to police spokesman Xavier Castaing , but at least one of them also appeared to have a military 3-point sling attached to the weapon ( the white strap going over the shoulder ) . These slings are used in close-in attacks . The driver does not appear to have this strap , which allows for freedom in the car . The attackers appear to be good marksmen , as evidenced by the tight shot of a group of bullets that riddled the windshield of a French police car , shown in several photographs at the scene . Additionally , the attackers have their weapons on semi-automatic ( single shot ) versus full automatic . Many terrorists use what U.S. soldiers derisively call the `` pray and spray '' method . That is , they point their weapons on full automatic , scream a religious slogan and let loose with a stream of bullets -- most of which do n't hit the targets . These terrorists appear well-trained , with aimed fire , single shots and controlled targeting . • Fire and maneuver : These terrorists appear to have been trained in movement techniques : They use cover ( parked automobiles , or an open car door ) and aim fire while their terrorist `` buddy '' maneuvers to a new firing location . At that point , the moving terrorist aims and fires , while the previously covering terrorist moves to join him . • Reconnaissance : The attack occurred at noon in busy Paris , yet there was no traffic on the side streets where the citizens ' filming took place . Additionally , initial reports indicate that an editors ' meeting was occurring at that time , with all the subjects in one room . That indicates there was intelligence , route planning and then individual requirements for the members of the terrorist team . • Speed : They moved fast , knew where they are going , did their job , and then they were gone . Again , that 's indicative of rehearsals but also single-mindedness of mission . • Selection of target : This was a follow-on attack . The offices of Charlie Hebdo had been previously firebombed , but that attack was not successful . Much like the initial World Trade Center bombing in 1993 that was followed by the 2001 attack , these terrorists were again going after the same target . Usually , terrorists film their attacks for future information operations and social media use . They may have had terrorist videographers in specific locations for that purpose during this attack as well . Those videos may appear in the future , but until then French citizens posting YouTube videos contribute to the terrorists ' information campaign . In the next few hours and days , other countries of Europe -- especially Germany and Italy -- will be interested in sharing information from this attack , as they face similar threats from Muslim extremists . France , the European Union and Interpol will share information , and given the ability of the terrorists to move freely through Europe , this passing of information will be critical . The passport-free Schengen Area allows for movement through 26 countries in Europe on the motorways and autobahns , so while initially this is an attack on France , these terrorists are a threat to all of Europe .
Videos show speed , used by terrorists in Paris attack , Mark Hertling says . Attack 's timing indicates intelligence and strategic planning on part of terror team , Hertling says . He calls it a follow - on attack after earlier attacks on Charlie Hebdo laboratories .