Filling out forms must be one of the most tedious parts of gradually becoming an adult. Check this box, tick that thing, scribble down some garbage and sign away your life – then hang on until Friday post-work drinks and all is right in the world once more.

If you have ever caught yourself wondering what the application form for one of the world’s largest terrorist cells looks like you’re finally in luck. US intelligence officials have released a number of documents from their 2011 raid and killing of Osama Bin Laden (coincidental timing in the wake of the allegations HERE and HERE?), one of which is an Al Qaeda recruitment application form. Sky News reports:

Would-be hires are asked to state their name, age and marital status. “Any hobbies or pastimes?” reads one question…

Things then escalate very quickly. Hobbies – long walks on the beach and reading renaissance poetry. Mission – killing and maiming innocent people.

I especially like the bit about hereditary conditions. Sorry mate, your congenital heart defect prevents you from blowing yourself up, unlucky.

The documents also revealed some interesting insight into Bin Laden’s thinking:

The declassified files also show Bin Laden was an avid reader of conspiracy theories about the 9/11 attacks he masterminded, as well as the Illuminati…

One of the more unexpected reading materials recovered from the compound was the “Delta Force Extreme 2 Videogame Guide”.

The files reveal, too, Bin Laden’s fear that a microscopic bug could be inserted into his wife’s clothes.

Who said playing video games leads to violence in the real world huh? I blame the Illuminati.

[source:sky]