Do terrorists have standardized tests?

<--When you say this guy's name, make sure to pronounce the doubel "l" as an l-sound, and not as a y-sound. That way he will sound less Latino.

So today, the trial of Jose Padilla, "The American Taliban", began in Florida. Padilla, for those readers with short memories, allegedly plotted to set off a 'dirty bomb' in the US, and has been held for three years without charge as a result. So finally, they are bringing down the books on him, right?

Not exactly. He is being charged with supplying material aid to terrorits. The BBC explains:

The BBC's Andy Gallacher in Florida says some critics are calling the case "Padilla Lite" because the most serious accusations have been dropped.

But lest you think this is some minor affair, the US gov'ment wants you to know that it has the goods on this guy:

However, prosecutors say that an application form to attend an al-Qaeda training camp in Afghanistan will prove that Mr Padilla, also known as Abdullah Mujahir, was connected to Islamic extremists.

Hold up. Terrorists need to apply to go to terrorism camp? What happens? Do they write an essay on why that terrorism camp is the best one for them and submit a resume with their extracurricular activities? In my spare time, I enjoy playing basketball, leading the chess team, and, oh yeah, killing people.

I am assuming that if you don't get in to terrorism camp in Afghanistan, you are forced to go to the loser terrorist training camp in Somalia? Then again, I guess you could always just join the CIA...