Criteria for Success in the War on Drugs
Abstract
Every year since 1986, the United States Congress has increased the MIlitary's role in the war on drugs. With the passage of the Department of Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 1989, the military assumed the federal lead in command, control, communications and intelligence in this effort. If the past is any indication of future trends, the military role is almost certain to increase as policy makers become increasingly frustrated with the nation's seeming inability to curb the supply of illicit drugs crossing our borders. This study seeks to establish that the military has significant capabilities for dealing with the supply side of the drug war, but this role goes beyond that of traditional interdiction assistance. The study shows the linkages between narco- terrorism, drug trafficking and low intensity conflict (LIC), thus proposing that the military's primary contribution in limiting the supply of illicit drugs will embrace the imperatives of LIC. The criteria for the military's success in the war on drugs is exacting. Rules of engagement, doctrine and readiness issues must be anticipated. Unless we are to repeat the mistakes of the past 25 years, policy makers must consider invoking the public's support if the military involvement is to continue in the war on drugs. This study presents several important considerations and recommendations in the use of the news media to accomplish this end.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA209809
Entities
People
- Virgil E. Raines
Organizations
- United States Army War College