We have obtained and posted a report, required by this year's Defense Authorization law and released in March, detailing some of the Defense Department's counter-drug aid to Latin America and the rest of the world. The report [5.4 megabyte PDF download] covers aid provided in 2007. The law (Section 1024 of the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act) requires the Defense Department to provide Congress with a country-by-country accounting of all counter-drug military and police assistance it provides overseas. This would mean all aid authorized by the "Section 1004" counter-drug assistance program and the related "Section 1033" program - two authorities that were created on a temporary basis in the 1990s and continue to be renewed regularly. What was submitted to Congress, however, is far from an accounting of all Defense Department aid. This report, like the 2005 report available here [PDF], only covers Defense Department aid for construction projects. While this is certainly interesting, construction aid is only a fraction of what the Defense Department offers Latin American and Caribbean militaries and police forces for counter-drug purposes. The Defense Department may use its budget to provide the following kinds of military and police aid:
1. Maintenance, repair and upgrading of loaned Defense Department equipment; 2. Maintenance, repair and upgrading of other equipment; 3. Transportation of personnel, supplies and equipment within or outside the United States; 4. Establishment and operation of bases of operation or training facilities within or outside the United States; 5. Training of law enforcement personnel, both foreign and domestic; 6. Detection and monitoring of narcotics related traffic coming into the United States; 7. Construction of roads and fences and installation of lighting to block drug smuggling across U.S. borders; 8. Establishment of command, control, communication and computer networks for improved integration of law enforcement, active military, and National Guard activities; 9. Linguistics and intelligence; and 10. Aerial and ground reconnaissance.
The newly acquired report only captures aid authorized by numbers 4 and 7 above. As a result, it lists only $4.855 million in Defense Department aid to Colombia in 2007, via seven construction projects. Yet a different document, acquired via a FOIA request issued by the Fellowship of Reconciliation, shows Colombia receiving Defense Department assistance totaling $107.332 million in 2007. The report, while incomplete, nonetheless provides an interesting picture of U.S.-funded military construction projects in the region, including at the three Forward Operating Locations (Manta, Ecuador; Comalapa, El Salvador; and Aruba and Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.) Excerpted below is the section of the report detailing aid to Latin America and the Caribbean.
U.S. Department of Defense, Fiscal Year 2007 DoD Foreign Counterdrug Activity Report (Washington: Department of Defense, March 10, 2008) .
NATION: Bahamas PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: BOS/Infrastructure for Operations Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) operating base PROJECT CODE: 2307 FUNDING ($K): $3,429K DESCRIPTION: Funds sustain the operating base at Georgetown, Greater Exuma Island. At this site, U.S. government helicopter operations are conducted in support of Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos Counter-drug operations. PROJECT TASKS: • Contract Services • Travel/Transportation • Facility maintenance/supplies • Base Construction funding
NATION: Belize PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Shoreline embankment at Hunting Cay. PROJECT CODE: 9493 FUNDING ($K): $55K DESCRIPTION: Infrastructure will prevent erosion and provide an extended shoreline embankment for an existing forward base of operations for the Belizean Coast Guard. Project facilitates the conduct of CN interdiction operations in the Western Caribbean against a key "go-fast" drug trafficking area. PROJECT TASKS: • Shoreline embankment restoration NATION: Belize PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Pier (2), maintenance facility, and multi-purpose operations facility at Calabash Cay. PROJECT CODE: 9493 FUNDING ($K): $1,581K DESCRIPTION: Infrastructure will provide a forward base of operations for the Belizean Coast Guard to conduct CN interdiction operations in the Western Caribbean against a key "go-fast" drug trafficking area. PROJECT TASKS: • Construct 2 Piers and one jet dock with exterior lighting • Construct multi-purpose operations building, with septic system • Construct maintenance facility • Construct fuel distribution system, communications tower, and solar power system
NATION: Colombia PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: BOS/Infrastructure for Forward Operating Site Apiay PROJECT CODE: 2416 FUNDING ($K): $1,333K DESCRIPTION: Forward Operating Site Apiay provides base operations support facilities for deployed Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) assets and personnel. Infrastructure expenditures consist of projects and upgrades to facilities as well as other routine maintenance and operational support at Apiay. PROJECT TASKS: • Contract Services • Travel/Transportation • Facility Maintenance/Supplies • Base Construction funding o Hangar Repair o MISC Repairs to facilities and electrical upgrades o Refurbishments to living quarters o Asphalt installation at north ramp NATION: Colombia PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Hangar upgrades for Colombian Navy at Juanchaco Airfield, Bahia Malaga, Colombia PROJECT CODE : 9201 FUNDING ($K) : $59SK DESCRIPTION: Project supports CD interdiction operations in the eastern Pacific. Project provides needed services to maintain aircraft readiness and execute day/night flight operations. PROJECT TASKS: • Design • Construction of hangar doors • Seal and epoxy paint hangar floor • Insulate and seal hangar • Renovate hangar primary and secondary power supply, hangar lighting • Water and compressed air systems NATION: Colombia PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Design-build aviation brigade headquarters at Tolemaida, Colombia PROJECT CODE: 9201 FUNDING ($K): $l,340K DESCRIPTION: Project provides a night operations center and training facility for the Colombian Aviation Brigade (BAHEL). Project includes classroom space and utility improvements. PROJECT TASKS: • Design • Power utility systems • Water utility systems • Sanitary sewer utility systems • Building and site preparation NATION: Colombia PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Airfield lighting at Juanchaco Airfield, Colombia PROJECT CODE: 9201 FUNDING ($K): $745K DESCRIPTION: Project supports CD interdiction operations in the eastern Pacific. Project upgrades current lighting system to provide night operations capability. PROJECT TASKS: • Purchase/installation of airfield lighting NATION: Colombia PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Temporary Facilities at La Macarena PROJECT CODE: 9201 FUNDING ($K): $154K DESCRIPTION: Project supports sustained Planning and Assistance Team (PATT) presence in the La Macarena area. Project facilitates coordination of U.S. intelligence/planning/and training efforts supporting Joint Task Force-Omega operations. PROJECT TASKS: • Transportation of materials • Purchase and installation of modular facilities • Water/sewage/power installation/upgrades NATION: Colombia PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Range improvements PROJECT CODE: 9201 FUNDING ($K): $49K DESCRIPTION: Project provides a range for fire and maneuver training of Joint Task Force-Omega forces staging in the Tolemaida area prior to conducting of tactical (air assault) operations. Project also supports upgrades to the Ammunition Holding Area (AHA) adjacent to the range. PROJECT TASKS: • Grading/minor construction • Roof insulation purchase/installation NATION: Colombia PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Riverine Support PROJECT CODE: 9494 FUNDING ($K): $639K DESCRIPTION: Funding is provided to the U.S. Military Group (USMILGP) Colombia in order to analyze, purchase and install communication. PROJECT TASKS: • Funding was provided to purchase communication equipment to install civilian communication network and equipment to establish links between Colombian military services, and the police. • Funding was provided to purchase and install equipment for the Government of Colombia National Point Initiative. USMILGP determined equipment requirements which will provide best synergy to the Colombian UH-60 helicopter effort.
NATION: Ecuador PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Design-build infrastructure construction, General Farfan, Ecuador PROJECT CODE: 9201 FUNDING ($K) : $1,192K DESCR PTI ON: Project upgrades existing facilities at General Farfan intended to enable/facilitate riverine operations along the northern border of Ecuador with Colombia countering both the Counternarcotics (CN)/Counternarcoterrorism (CNT) threat in the region. PROJECT TASKS: • Design • Site work and demolition • Boat ramp and hangar • Command building • Kitchen and dining facility • Arms storage building • 40-man barracks • Additional sidewalks • Additional fencing and gate • Design and construct generator building • Guard towers NATION: Ecuador PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Design-build infrastructure construction at various Northern Border areas (Lago Agrio, Shushifindi, and Tulcan), Ecuador PROJECT CODE: 9201 FUNDING ($K) : $806K DESCRIPTION: Project provides upgrades to existing facilities supporting key units operating along the northern border of Ecuador with Colombia. Project is intended to improve quality of life and sustain operations against critical CN/ CNT threats. PROJECT TASKS: • Construct supply building at Lago Agrio site • Construct 80-man barracks at Shushufindi site • Construct 80-man barracks at Tulcan site • Design NATION: Ecuador PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Base Operating Support for Manta FOL PROJECT CODE: 9500 FUNDING: $l3,095K DESCRIPTION: AFSOUTH maintains and operates a Forward Operating Location (FOL) in Manta, Ecuador. FOL Manta provides a base of operations to facilitate counter drug detection and monitoring operations within the USSOUTHCOM AOR. PROJECT TASKS: • Design and construction of R-11 refueling pad. Pad will mitigate the environmental impact of any potential R-11 (refuel/defuel truck) fuel spills and corrects regulatory deficiency. • Base support contract includes maintenance and repair of facilities, along with 20 different minor construction projects. Also includes operations and maintenance of the dining facility, lodging, fire department, communications, and operations infrastructure. • Management support, supplies and equipment, travel of deployed personnel such as security forces, communications support and other support.
NATION: El Salvador PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Electrical Access to Base Perimeter Road PROJECT CODE: 9500(N) FUNDING ($K): $152K DESCRIPTION: Improve electrical access to joint use perimeter road in order to provide power to lighting and security cameras. PROJECT TASKS: • Design and construction of underground electrical cable runs with secure access. • Run electrical cable to light poles to supply power to road lights and security cameras NATION: El Salvador PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: El Salvador Air Force Highway Gate improvements. PROJECT CODE: 9500(N) FUNDING ($K): $20K DESCRIPTION: Provide upgraded guard house and vehicular gates PROJECT TASKS: • Design and construct enclosed guard house in center of base access road adjacent to the main road leading from the commercial airport to the capital city of San Salvador. • Design and construct manually operated lift vehicular gates on both lanes of the access road. • Design and construct concrete walls on both sides of the road to prevent vehicular traffic around the gates. NATION: El Salvador PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Air Force East Gate Guard House PROJECT CODE: 9S00(N) FUNDING ($K}: $12K DESCRIPTION : Provide upgraded guard house at east access gate to the El Salvador Air Force Base PROJECT TASKS: • Design and construct small guard house inside the base perimeter at the east gate. • Provide electrical power to the guard house for lights and telephone power. NATION: El Salvador PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Chlorine and Phosphate Water Treatment PROJECT CODE: 9500(N) FUNDING ($K): $18K DESCRIPTION: Install in-line chlorine and phosphate treatment equipment to main base water line. PROJECT TASKS: • Design and install equipment in main base water line to provide chlorine and phosphate treatment of water that supplies the main water tower in order to reduce deterioration of main water tower. NATION: El Salvador PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: BOS Contract for Forward Operating Location (FOL) Comalapa, El Salvador PROJECT CODE: 9500(N) FUNDING ($K): 21OOK DESCRIPTION: Contract to provide administrative, infrastructure, and operations support to the mission of the Forward Operating Location, Comalapa, El Salvador. PROJECT TASKS: • Employs approximately 40 host nation personnel to perform administrative, maintenance support, and flight operations assistance in the daily operations of the FOL. • Provides funds to perform minor repairs to the POL facilities. NATION: El Salvador PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Wall for Environmental Protection to Electrical Switching Housing PROJECT CODE: 9500(N) FUNDING ($K): $4K DESCRIPTION: Construct 8 foot CMU wall around electrical switching housing to prevent damage to electrical units from weather. PROJECT TASKS: • Design and construct CMU wall. NATION: El Salvador PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Environmental Cover PROJECT CODE: 9500(N) FUNDING ($K): $28K DESCRIPTION: Environmental equipment cover for ground support equipment in order to reduce accelerated corrosion and deterioration of ground support vehicles and aircraft maintenance equipment. PROJECT TASKS: • Design and construct overhead cover at existing location where the ground support vehicles and equipment are stored.
NATION: Honduras PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Architecture and Engineering (A&E) design for a pier and multi-purpose operations facility in Caratasca for the Honduran Navy. PROJECT CODE: 9493 FUNDING ($K): $252K DESCRIPTION: Provide architecture and design for a forward base of operations for the Honduran Navy to conduct CN interdiction operations in the Western Caribbean against a key "go-fast" drug trafficking area. PROJECT TASKS: • A&E design work for a pier and a multi-purpose operation facility
NATION: Netherland Antilles PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Base Operating Support for Curacao FOL PROJECT CODE: 9500 FUNDING: $18,134K DESCRIPTION: AFSOUTH maintains and operates a Forward Operating Location in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. Curacao FOL provides a base of operations to facilitate counter drug detection and monitoring operations within the USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR). PROJECT TASKS: • Design and repair of the aircraft parking ramp due to cracking. • Replacement of corroded fence fabric on perimeter fence. • Base support contract includes maintenance and repair of facilities, along with 18 different minor construction projects. Also includes operations and maintenance of the lodging, fire department, communications, and operations infrastructure. • Management support, supplies and equipment, travel of deployed personnel such as security forces, fire fighters, communications support and other support. NATION: Netherland Antilles PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Base Operating Support for Aruba FOL PROJECT CODE: 9500 FUNDING: $350K DESCRIPTION: AFSOUTH maintains and operates a Forward Operating Location in Aruba, Netherlands Antilles. Aruba FOL provides a capability to facilitate counter drug detection and monitoring operations within the USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility. PROJECT TASKS: • Management support, supplies and equipment, travel of deployed personnel communications support and other support.
NATION: Nicaragua PROJECT/ BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: Pier and multi-purpose operations facility at Corn Island, repair of existing pier and construction of a maintenance facility at Bluefield, and repair of maintenance/log facility at El Bluff. PROJECT CODE: 9493 FUNDING ($K): $2,443K DESCRIPTION: Infrastructure will provide a base of operations for the Nicaraguan Navy to conduct CN interdiction operations in the Western Caribbean against a key "go-fast" drug trafficking area. PROJECT TASKS: • Corn Island: Construct Pier, and construct multi-purpose operations building, site work/preparation. • Bluefields: Rebuild pier, construct maintenance building, site work/preparation. • El Bluff: Repair warehouse/logistic facility roof, repair internal warehouse support columns, and warehouse door
NATION: Peru PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: A&E design for riverine base infrastructure improvements in Pichari for the Peruvian Navy. PROJECT CODE: 9201 FUNDING ($K): $88K DESCRIPTION: Provides design for a forward operating site in the Apurimac Valley in support of Peruvian Army and National Police operations. Project is the initial phase of Plan VRAE, which is a Govemment of Peru plan to assume greater govemment control over the Apurimac and Ene river valleys.
