The Need for Special Operations Forces Involvement in the Andean Region's Counter Drug Efforts

Abstract

Abstract : Department of Defense officials have identified the need to redirect resources to the War on terrorism while scaling back its efforts to fight the international drug problems across the globe. The National Defense Authorization Act of 1989 designated the Department of Defense as the single lead agency for detection and monitoring of illegal drug shipments into the United States. Since that time, the Department of Defense has acted in concert with the Office of National Drug Control Policy by providing Special Operations Forces to assist the governments of the Andean Region with their counter drug efforts. The illegal drug problem impacts the region's stability and security, and poses a threat to the interests of the United States in the Western Hemisphere. The elimination of Special Operations Forces and the reduction of the military assistance to the counter drug efforts in Colombia and other Andean Region countries reduces their ability to counter the threats caused by illegal drug production in the region. Department of Defense involvement is critical for successful counter drug efforts in a region of vital interest to the United States.