Use of National Guard to Fight Drug Smuggling Studied

As part of the war on drug smuggling, Congress is studying a set of options for the unprecedented use of National Guard troops to patrol the nation’s Southern border, an unreleased report shows.

The proposals provide for the use of planes, helicopters and radar, as well as personnel, from forces of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard in several states, from California to Georgia.

Some states have used guard troops selectively to combat drug trafficking, but the plan being studied represents a heightened involvement on a much broader scale and new federal coordination. The new proposals also call for additional flying time beyond the minimum now required for proficiency of pilots and crews.

A Controversial Subject

Use of military forces on civilian missions has long been a controversial subject and several military officials raised questions about the new proposals, including whether they would violate prohibitions against the use of military troops in making arrests.

But one congressional supporter of the proposals said the law would not be violated because the guard troops would only perform duties of “detection and mobility.” Another said the only time such laws would apply is during guardsmen’s 15 days of active duty each year and when they are called to federal service at other times.

At the Defense Department, Lt. Col. Peter L. Wyro, public affairs officer, noted that guardsmen are usually on duty just 39 days a year, meaning that they are already in a “compressed period of training.” If the troops are called upon to perform anti-drug duty, “What are you going to take away from?” Wyro asked.

Combatting Flow of Drugs

However, in a cover letter accompanying the report, LaVern E. Weber, a retired lieutenant general and executive director of the National Guard Assn. of the United States, said the document “provides a concept and support plan outlining the National Guard augmentation that could possibly be provided to civil drug enforcement authorities in combatting the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.”

The report, assembled by the association, was requested by Rep. Dan Daniel (D-Va.), chairman of the House Armed Services subcommittee on readiness. The association is made up of 50,000 active or retired commissioned officers and warrant officers representing national contingents of 438,000 Army National Guard troops and 102,000 in the Air National Guard.

The report includes a number of maps and charts detailing coverage “from the northern border of Virginia to the northern border of California.”

Cost to Start Program

Starting the new program would cost the federal government from $34.8 million to $449.7 million, depending on the duration of drug patrols. And the annual federal cost--in the form of reimbursements to the states--would range from $5.8 million to $23.1 million.

The least expensive option calls for placing eight removable radar sets on four C-130 transport planes, flying 16 missions in 10 days. The most expensive option would fly 40 missions. According to the plans, the C-130s would spot smugglers, then chase planes would track them. Finally, Blackhawk helicopters would transport federal drug agents who would make arrests.

Federal authorities estimate that at least 100 tons of cocaine enter the country annually and that illegal drugs amount to a $110-billion-a-year business.

Congressional critics have long accused the Administration of failing to commit enough resources to the war on drug smuggling, citing evidence showing that smugglers are far better equipped than are the agents trying to thwart their efforts.

Customs’ Responsibility

Governors of border states and congressmen who have advocated broader use of the National Guard in fighting drug smuggling welcomed the new proposals as a way to back up the beleaguered Customs Service, which has the major responsibility for stopping drugs at the nation’s borders.

If the plan is implemented, it “will bring new vigor to the war on drugs,” said Rep. Glenn English (D-Okla.). English, chairman of the House Government Operations subcommittee on government, information, justice and agriculture, plans a hearing on the proposals Wednesday.

However, Donna Lipper, assistant press secretary for California Gov. George Deukmejian, said the governor “is not aware of” the proposal, adding that “if a proposal were made, the governor would review it, but I can’t characterize what his decision would be.”

Col. Donald J. Foley, spokesman for the California National Guard, said: “Obviously, we will do whatever the governor asks us to do because he is the commander in chief.”