The Role of the Army in the War on Drugs.

Within the last 8 years, there has been an increased awareness, both publicly and politically, concerning the problems of drug trafficking. This problem is identified as the most serious organized crime problem in the world today. Public concern over the problem intensified during 1986 as a result of the widely publicized drug-related death of University of maryland basketball star Len Bias, and widespread media coverage of a new form of cocaine, called crack. The Presidents personal attention, coupled with the congress approval for tougher anti-drug measures and expanded media coverage, attest to a firm commitment to the continuing struggle against drug trafficking and abuse. The U.S. Government for the first time has acknowledged that the international drug trade is a national security concern when President Reagan signed the National Security Defense Directive of 1986. Drug trade has the ability to cause economic destabilization among our allies and degrade our internal security and military readiness. Is it then appropriate that our role in combatting the problem as a military force be identified and possibly expanded The scope of this essay suppression and interdiction efforts against civilian criminal elements.