Military Civic Action in Colombia

Abstract

Abstract : This thesis is an examination of the role that the Colombian military's civic action programs played in assisting to reduce the level of internal violence during the domestic upheaval known as la violencia, Included is a discussion of the historical development of the civic action concept, highlighting the United States' experience with the concept, as the United States included the concept as part of the foreign policy of the 1960's. The phenomenon known as la violencia is discussed with respect to the reasons for its initiation as well as its prolongation. Additionally, other governmental responses to help reduce the conflict are reviewed. The specific civic action programs that were established in the early 1960's are discussed and analyzed as to their impact on helping in the reduction of the violence levels. The assistance the United States provided in the form of military and economic aid to support the Colombian military's civic action programs is discussed. The results of the Colombian military's civic action program have shown that if the military is employed in projects which can be adequately supported by the forces involved, there are may benefits for all concerned. Military civic action can assist in national development in a number of possible ways: literacy training, national communications development, health care, and a strengthening of the support for the national government.