The United States Military and Plan Colombia: A Direct Combat Role?

Abstract

Abstract : This monograph analyzes the possibility of the United States Military taking a direct role in the implementation of Plan Colombia. The analysis begins with an exploration of the background issues: the drug war as it relates to Colombia, the Marxist-based insurgencies that have been ongoing in Colombia, Plan Colombia itself, and the support already pledged by the United States to Colombia. This monograph then traces the national interests at stake in Plan Colombia through the lens of the United States National Security Strategy, the National Military Strategy, and the United States Drug Control Policy. Finally, this monograph analyzes U.S. Law and Department of Defense policy to determine what legal support the Defense Department has for involvement in Plan Colombia. This study concludes that the United States has a number of vital, important, and other national interests at stake in the success of Plan Colombia and that both United States Law, Presidential guidance, and Defense Department Policy support taking a direct role in the counter-narcotics and counter-insurgency operations embedded within Plan Colombia. This study also recommends that the United States create a Joint Task Force (JTF) to conduct operations within Colombia to support the Colombian effort as put forth in Plan Colombia.