Transforming Armed Forces to National Guard Units in Latin America
Abstract
Today's complex world includes new challenges for our armed forces. Transnational threats require that Latin American security forces transform in order to meet these challenges. They must be capable of managing internal security challenges and national defense threats such as terrorism, organized crime, narcotrafficking, illegal migration, and natural disasters. Our political leaders must recognize that the Armed Forces need to transform to address these complex challenges and provide the resources required for such a transformation. Civil authority leadership and civil-military integration and cooperation are paramount. Latin American countries cannot support military forces poised for conventional warfare in the Western Hemisphere. This paper will examine factors concerning the current threats in Latin America and the organizational reformation that needs to occur to address these security challenges. These factors affect the antiquated armed forces organizations still used in Latin America which result in insufficient budgets, low incentives for military service, sub-standard equipment and low maintenance capabilities. Lastly, this paper will offer recommendations which may lead to changes in cultural behavior and organizational reform. The goal of these recommendations is to transform Latin American security forces into National Guard-type units, with a focus on internal security and humanitarian assistance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 30, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA471310
Entities
People
- Braulio J. De La Rosa
Organizations
- United States Army War College