Border Security, human trafficking, and narcotics trafficking are three non-traditional threats now facing the nation. None has clear cut solutions, or clear cut rules for combatting them or collecting intelligence about them.
Moreover, the dominant worldview of “borders” sees borders mainly in military terms—something that the United States has been largely able to avoid due to its placement on the globe. As a consequence, it is deeply ingrained in the U.S. conscience and in the U.S. Constitution that the military is not usually the appropriate organization to defend the U.S. borders.
Is it time for that to change?
Case Assignment
- Explain which threat—physical border security, human trafficking, or narcotics trafficking—is the most important to the nation at this time.
- Explain how the other two threats—as well as one not listed here (you have to find one, or use one that you have discussed in previous assignments) impact the way in which we collect intelligence and combat the threats.
- Explain how counterintelligence efforts might play a role in combatting the threat.
- Identify which 2 INTs are most appropriate for collecting information against the threat, and the limitations of both that will provide gaps that the opposing side can exploit.
- Properly cite your quotations that you use to support your statements.
Full Answer Section
On the other hand, the military is not designed or trained for law enforcement. The use of military force at the border could lead to violence and civilian casualties. Additionally, militarizing the border could send a message that the United States is a hostile country, which could discourage legitimate trade and travel.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use the military for border security is a political one. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and risks carefully before making a decision.
Here are some of the potential consequences of militarizing the border:
- Increased violence and civilian casualties
- Damage to relations with neighboring countries
- Increased costs for the United States
- Erosion of civil liberties
- A message that the United States is a hostile country
Here are some of the potential benefits of militarizing the border:
- Deterrence of border crossers, smugglers, and traffickers
- Improved intelligence gathering and surveillance
- Increased security for border communities
- A message that the United States is taking border security seriously
It is important to note that there are other options for addressing border security challenges. For example, the United States could invest in more border patrol agents, technology, and infrastructure. The United States could also work with neighboring countries to develop cooperative border security measures.
The decision of whether or not to militarize the border is a complex one with no easy answer. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and risks carefully before making a decision.
Sample Answer
Whether or not it is time for the military to be more involved in border security is a complex question with no easy answer. There are many factors to consider, including the nature of the threats, the effectiveness of the military, and the potential consequences of militarizing the border.
On the one hand, the military is a powerful and well-equipped organization that could be used to deter and apprehend border crossers, smugglers, and traffickers. The military also has experience in intelligence gathering and surveillance, which could be useful in combating these non-traditional threats.