History

The National Guard Counterdrug Program was established in 1989 as a response to the growing drug problem in the United States of America. The program was created to leverage the unique capabilities and resources of the National Guard to support law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations in their efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse.

The program initially focused on providing support to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the form of intelligence analysis, surveillance, and reconnaissance. National Guard units were deployed to assist in drug interdiction operations, provide training to law enforcement personnel, and conduct community outreach programs to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse.

Over the years, the program expanded its scope to include other areas of counterdrug operations, such as prevention, treatment, and demand reduction. National Guard units began working closely with community organizations, schools, and healthcare providers to develop and implement drug prevention programs. They also started providing support for drug treatment and rehabilitation efforts.

In addition to its domestic operations, the National Guard Counterdrug Program has also been involved in international efforts to combat drug trafficking. National Guard units have been deployed to countries such as Colombia, Mexico, and Afghanistan to provide training and assistance to law enforcement and military forces in their fight against drug cartels and insurgent groups involved in drug production and trafficking.

The program has been successful in it's mission to support law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations to reduce drug-related crime and addiction. It continues to have a paramount of responsibility in disrupting drug trafficking networks, seizing illicit drugs, and providing valuable intelligence to law enforcement agencies. The National Guard Counterdrug Program consistently evolves and adapts to new challenges, such as the opioid crisis, and remains an important component of the nation's overall drug control strategy.