U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Military Use in the Drug War

NCJ Number
111572
Author(s)
L O Walker
Date Published
1987
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the role of the military in the Federal Government's efforts to deal with the drug problem, describes congressional concerns and proposals in this area, and proposes an expansion of the military's role.
Abstract
Congressional leaders are increasingly urging the U.S. Department of Defense to expand its role in the war against drugs. Recent legislation has been enacted to expand the use of military forces and equipment. The use of the military in Bolivia was considered a success, and more missions of this type can be expected. The National Guard's role in the drug war is also significant. The drug war must be fought using the following three approaches: (1) abatement of drug abuse in the United States through education and tougher laws, (2) the interdiction of illegal drugs coming in through the borders, and (3) cutting off the supply of drugs in the nation of origin. The military should refine and develop joint operations with Federal and State law enforcement officials. A joint interservice and interagency effort must be combined to focus all resources from the active and reserve military as well as Federal, State, and local drug enforcement agencies. Notes and 16 references.