Military Forces and Intelligence in the Drug War.
Abstract
In August 1986 the President of the United States declared a war on drugs. During the ensuing months Congress passed a comprehensive anti-drug bill and considerable discussion occurred among the senior leadership of the US government concerning what the level and extent of involvement by the US Armed Forces should be. The Army is already involved in the Drug War via Operations HAWKEYE and GROUNDHOG, as well as the recently concluded operation BLAST FURNACE in Bolivia. The other services are also conducting on-going operations, flying reconnaissance missions, lending equipment to drug enforcement agencies and supporting the US Coast Guard in its drug interdiction mission. DoD directives and Army regulations limit the amount and type of support which can be provided as does the Posse Comitatus Act; but they do not preclude selective involvement. The military services have the capability to provide additional support while neither sustaining a degradation if readiness nor requiring the military to become law enforcers in violation of the long-standing Posse Comitatus Act. Intelligence and aviation assets can make a significant contribution to reduce or eliminate the flow of illegal drugs into the US. After all, the role of the military is to deter war; that failing, to fight and win the war. A war has been declared by the Commander in Chief, and the military has the resources and expertise to help this nation win the war.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA180151
Entities
People
- Stephen R. Gerlach
Organizations
- United States Army War College