Role Of The Department Of Defense In Drug Interdiction

The drug abuse problem in the United States continues to grow at an alarming rate despite the billions of dollars spent on drug interdiction and enforcement efforts. Severely impacting on our national economy, health, social welfare, and security, combating the drug problem has become one of America's principal domestic concerns. Clearly, the efforts of Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have not been enough to curtail the problem, prompting the President and Congress to direct Department of Defense involvement, concentrating their efforts in stopping the flow of drugs at the source, in transit, and the United States. This paper examines Department of Defense involvement in the 'war on drugs, ' the missions assigned to the major commands, and legal impediments to the use of the military in this role. Further, the role of the Army is specifically examined.