The Counter-Narcotics Dilemma.

The long-term nature of counter-drug efforts requires a serious and persistent effort, based upon dedicated funding and unity of effort. Anything less will result in wasted resources and strategic failure. Interdiction, while both costly and marginally effective in its own right, is absolutely necessary if efforts attempting to reduce production and demand are to be successful. A realignment of the current counter-narcotics organization and its command structure is crucial if interdiction is to remain a viable part of the strategy. The fusion of intelligence, assets and further streamlining will improve the chances of meeting mission objectives. The alignment of AORs to more closely fit the geographic responsibilities of the two cognizant CINCs will be better served through existing command structures, and maintain a regional, vice operational, focus.