NCJ Number
111529
Date Published
1987
Length
26 pages
Annotation
The drug abuse problem in the United States has grown to unprecedented proportions and threatens the national economy and national security. As a consequence, Congress has proposed an expanded role for the military in the war on drugs.
Abstract
However, within the defense organization this role is unclear and controversial. A survey of the U.S. Army War College class of 1987 revealed a wide variety of attitudes toward a military role in drug law enforcement: 49 percent supported a military drug enforcement mission, while 39 percent did not. Most felt that such a mission would not affect combat readiness, although most supported military augmentation of civilian authorities rather than a total military commitment. If the military is to expand its role in this area, additional resources, particularly training in law enforcement techniques, will be required. The interdiction role envisioned by the U.S. House is unachievable and would require a degrading of military capabilities in other areas. Total interdiction and eradication efforts are doomed to failure so long as large segments of society continue to demand drugs. An effective strategy for the war on drugs must concentrate not only on the supply side, but also on the demand side by making drugs less desirable. 21 endnotes and 11 references.