Role of Special Operations Forces in Counter-Narcotic Operations

This thesis discusses the suitability of using Special operations Forces to supplement present interdiction operations in the Andean Ridge. The study begins with a background and description of the present problem of cocaine in the United States. It describes the legislative reforms which have been introduced to increase the military's role in enforcement. It describes the current legal restraints against the use of the military in assisting law enforcement agencies both in the continental US and in foreign countries. The thesis includes a description of activities conducted at the federal level to revise the Posse Comitatus act and the impact of significant revisions. The study continues with a description of cocaine trafficking in the Andean Ridge. The thesis explains some of the societal and economic problems associated with a full scale "war on drugs". These problems are described in terms of the violation of ancient customs and rituals as well as the severe economic impact of dismantling the current trafficking organization on the host countries' populations. The thesis also includes a description of Army Special operations Forces and their unique organization and capabilities. Finally, the thesis contains descriptions of the largest paramilitary counter-narcotics operations conducted in the Andean Ridge. This portion of the thesis does not dwell on seizure rates or arrests, but more on the tactics and lessons learned. The thesis concludes that with the present administration's plan to combine eradication, interdiction and demand reduction programs, the use of SOF will significantly enhance law enforcement's capability to identify targets and successfully interdict lucrative shipments.