Counterdrug Advisory Council

WEBSITE DISCLAIMER

The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the National Guard Counterdrug Advisory Council and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War, the Department of the Air Force, the Department of the Army, or the National Guard Bureau.

References to, or the appearance of, any commercial products, services, or organizations do not imply endorsement by the Department of War, the Department of the Air Force, the Department of the Army, or the National Guard Bureau.

The inclusion of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of War, the Department of the Air Force, the Department of the Army, or the National Guard Bureau of the linked websites, or the information, products, or services contained therein.

This website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is intended to inform visitors about the National Guard Counterdrug Program, with input from the States, Territories, and the District of Columbia.

MISSION

To support the detection, interdiction, disruption, and curtailment of drug trafficking activities through the application of military unique skills and resources.

VISION

A safe secure homeland free from Transnational Organized Crime, drug related activities and other threats to national security.

In 2025, the United States continued to witness encouraging progress in addressing the overdose crisis, with provisional data showing a sustained decline in drug overdose deaths following the historic reductions of 2024. National overdose mortality fell further, dropping to roughly the low 70,000 range in the most recent 12 month reporting period, marking one of the longest continuous declines in decades. Expanded access to naloxone, broader availability of treatment for opioid use disorder, and ongoing harm reduction efforts are widely credited for this improvement. However, overdose deaths remain well above pre-pandemic levels. Fentanyl continues to drive most fatalities, and trends vary by region and population, underscoring the need for continued investment and vigilance.

Since 1989, the National Guard has played a critical role in addressing the nation’s drug threat through the National Guard Counterdrug Program, a cornerstone of the whole-of-government approach. Operating in every state, territory, and the District of Columbia, the program leverages highly trained military professionals to support federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement, as well as community-based organizations. Through intelligence analysis, operational support, and prevention initiatives, this program is pivotal in disrupting drug trafficking networks, reducing the supply of illicit drugs, and strengthening community efforts to prevent substance misuse and its devastating impacts.

FISCAL YEAR 2025 NATIONAL LEVEL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

"Enabling Law Enforcement & Protecting Communities"

IMPACT SUMMARY

2,852 Law Enforcement Agencies Supported

2,694 National Guard Service Members Employed

10,970 Total Missions Executed

69,145 Students Trained Nationwide

$15.4B Estimated Operational Impact

MISSION SETS

LAW ENFORCEMENT SEIZURES SUPPORTED

32,087 kg Fentanyl / Fentanyl-Containing Pills

502,613 kg Synthetic Opioids

101,072 kg Methamphetamine

213,344 kg Cocaine

1,335 kg Heroin

664,853 kg Marijuana

$428.1M in U.S. Currency Seized

$157.3M in Property Seized

TRAINING IMPACT

12,684 Agencies Supported

57,886 Resident Students Trained

11,259 Distance Learning Students Trained

69,145 Total Students Trained

The National Guard serves as a proven force multiplier in the fight against illicit drugs. Each Counterdrug Program analyst supports 10–15 law enforcement officers already operating in the field, significantly expanding investigative capacity. Complementing these efforts, the program also supports prevention initiatives by partnering with communities, schools, and public health organizations to deliver education, outreach, and data-informed strategies aimed at reducing drug demand and preventing substance misuse before it begins. In addition, five regional Counterdrug Program schools train an average of 68,000 active law enforcement officers annually, delivering region-specific threat awareness and field-validated counterdrug techniques.

Despite the rapid escalation of the fentanyl crisis, funding for the National Guard Counterdrug Program has remained largely stagnant at approximately $200 million annually since the early 1990s. Rising personnel costs and inflation have further constrained program capacity. With continued targeted increased investment, this enduring and proven program has substantially expanded its impact, enhancing support to law enforcement, reducing the availability of heroin and fentanyl, and helping to mitigate drug misuse and overdose deaths in communities nationwide.

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IMPACT SUMMARY

MISSION SETS

LAW ENFORCEMENT SEIZURES SUPPORTED

TRAINING IMPACT

DETECT - INTERDRICT - DISRUPT - CURTAIL