Proper Role of the United States Military in Combatting Drug Smuggling

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Proper Role of the United States Military in Combatting Drug Smuggling

J. D. Stubbs / D. W. Newton / K. L. Wieman

The United States military has become increasingly involved in law enforcement operations aimed at combatting illegal drugs. The military's direct participation in this effort has two perspectives. From the political perspective, American tradition opposes military intrusion into civil affairs. As a result, direct military participation in enforcing drug laws has legal and political limits. The military is most restricted when operating within the United States, but less so when operating outside the United States. From an operational perspective, military support to civil law enforcement has improved interdiction of drug smuggling. Nevertheless, the national effort to stop illegal drug smuggling has failed as more drugs than ever before are entering the United States. The problem is one of demand.