U.S. Military Civic Action in Honduras, 1982-1985: Tactical Success, Strategic Uncertainty. CLIC Papers
Abstract
United States military civic action (MCA) in Honduras, 1982-1985, fulfilled its tactical purpose of helping to improve economic and social conditions in the near-term, improving the popularity of the military forces with the population, and motivating the Honduran military to engage in MCA as part of a national development plan (DA, 1981: 77, 140, & 275; and AF: 3). Activities such as building roads, digging water wells, and treating Honduran medical patients opened some new economic opportunities to Hondurans, relieved suffering, and improved social conditions. Through limited MCA involvement, the Honduran Armed Forces and the national police forces maintained their already strong popularity; the US military improved its popularity. In addition, the Honduran Armed Forces developed a stronger bureaucratic interest in MCA between 1982 and 1985. Attainment of these short-range objectives constituted a tactical success. Strategic success, i.e., fulfilling three long-range goals, could not be determined by the end of 1985. The long-term objectives of MCA were to facilitate economic and social development, maintain popular support for the indigenous government, and prevent insurgency (Departments of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force: 29-30). Whether MCA would help Honduras develop socially and economically, strengthen or weaken Honduran governmental popularity, or prevent the development of a major insurgency could not be predicted with certainty.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA445518
Entities
People
- Bernard E. Harvey