1. The Americas and the United States
THE OVERALL CLASSIFICATION OF THIS BRIEF IS: UNCLASSIFIED
The Americas and the United States
Presented to:
CGOC Conference
2 May 2011
I will be presenting an introduction to and overview of the United States Southern Command.
This briefing is unclassified.
Brig Gen Steve Shepro
Director, Policy, Plans & Strategy (J5)
Fueling the Enterprise
This is an informational briefing and the content is continuously changing. The charts are designed for discussion at time of presentation, not as stand-alone representation of official USSOUTHCOM policies or positions.

2. Context in a Global Culture
Technology has enabled this global identity. And it also gives everyone at least a perceived “voice” in the political process. This is the exception I alluded to earlier, we’ll talk more about it later.

3. …And Tomorrow’s Global Culture
Technology has enabled this global identity. And it also gives everyone at least a perceived “voice” in the political process. This is the exception I alluded to earlier, we’ll talk more about it later.

4. The Americas: A Diverse Region
Area of Responsibility
1/6th of earth’s surface (7.2m sq. mi. of land)
31 countries
15 Dependencies & Areas of Special Sovereignty
Demographics
475 million people
200+ million Portuguese speakers
40+ million indigenous populations
Economics
8 of 17 U.S. FTAs with AOR nations
~36% of U.S. trade is with the hemisphere
8.3% with AOR nations
~54% of energy imports come from this hemisphere
~20% from AOR nations
Cultural Ties
U.S. 5th largest Spanish speaking nation
Estimated U.S. will be 1/4 Hispanic origin by 2050
JAMAICA
The Americas, a home we share, is a strategically vital, culturally rich, and widely diverse and vibrant region.
We share a common commitment to democracy, freedom, justice and respect for human rights.
The USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility is depicted by the blue line on the map, and it outlines a very diverse region of the world.
The AOR boundary runs just south of Mexico; this requires close coordination with NORTHCOM, as MEX is country of mutual interest
Standing Command Arrangement Agreement with NORTHCOM addresses items that cross boundaries between the 2 commands, such as:
Command relationship of JIATF-South forces
Mass migration
The size is approximately 1/6 of the earth’s surface, or 15.6 million square miles.
There are 7.2m sq. mi. of land, or about twice as much as the U.S., which is about 3.5m sq. mi
The AOR contains 31 countries, and 15 Dependencies and Areas of Special Sovereignty
There are a total of about 475 million people, which makes it about 54% more populous than the United Stats at 308 million in 2010
There are about 200 million Spanish speakers, and 200 million Portuguese speakers
The other primary languages are English (7M), Creole (9M), several Indigenous languages (>40M)
Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S. share common interests and security concerns.

5. Economic Linkages Growing Trade
Approx 8.3% of U.S. trade is with Latin America / Caribbean (approx. $217 billion in 2009)
Approx. 54% of U.S. oil imports come from this hemisphere (~20% from AOR countries)
Panama Canal Expansion
Approx. $36B in remittances from U.S. to Latin America / Caribbean in 2009
The US is also linked with the region through economics.
40% of U.S. trade stays in the Americas, including Mexico and Canada. That is more than goes to Europe or goes to Asia.
8.3% of U.S. trade is with Latin America / Caribbean, which was approx. $217 billion in 2009
The U.S. has Free Trade Agreements with 17 nations; 8 of those nations are in Latin America, and 2 more agreements are pending (Colombia & Panama)
Over half of our oil is imported from the hemisphere, including Canada and Mexico, and ~20% comes from AOR, primarily Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil – nearly as much as is imported from the Persian Gulf
Panama Canal (from Panama Canal Authority,
2/3 ships transiting Canal are going to/from US ports / 7 of top 10 users of the canal are in this hemisphere
Expansion, scheduled to be completed by 2014 is expected to almost double canal capacity to about 600 million tons per year
Expansion will have a ripple effect on the US, as shippers from Asia have a method to get large ships to the east coast without having to unload on the west coast and transport by rail, truck, or air
Remittances: $50 billion from U.S. to LAC in 2009 (including Mexico); ~36B to AOR countries
(Remittance data

6. Percentage of Population
Demographic Linkages
Percentage of Population
Hispanic or Latino
Population shift: 10 largest US cities
Smith
Johnson
Williams
Brown
Jones
Miller
Davis
García
Rodríguez
Wilson
Martínez
Anderson
Taylor
Thomas
Hernández
>40%
35 to 39.9%
30 to 34.5%
25 to 29.9%
12.5 to 24.9%
5 to 12.4%
.7 to 4.9%
The U.S. has been historically linked to the many nations of the region in many ways beyond physical proximity, even though the relationship has not always been on good terms. Over time, however, the links between the U.S. and the region have evolved, and in many ways, grown stronger than ever.
The map on this slide demonstrates two things.
First, the purple shading shows the areas of the U.S. with highest percentages of Latino or Hispanic populations, based on 2006 U.S. Census data.
Additionally, the black circles on the map show the 10 largest US cities in As you can see, they are primarily concentrated in the northeast.
The yellow circles show the 10 largest US cities in 2006.
By that year, all of those cities were located in areas with large Hispanic populations, and the majority of them are in the southwestern states.
Some other data to keep in mind:
In 2010, there were 50.5 million Hispanics in the United States, composing 16 percent of the total population (see Table 1).
Between 2000 and 2010, the Hispanic population grew by 43 percent—rising from 35.3 million in 2000, when this group made up 13 percent of the total population.
The Hispanic population increased by 15.2 million between 2000 and 2010, accounting for over half of the 27.3 million increase in the total population of the United States.
By 2050, it’s expected that the US will be 25% Hispanic.
The US is also the fifth largest Spanish-speaking country in the world (#2 if counting non-documented)
Estimates are US will be largest US-speaking country by 2050 (surpassing 123 million)
As shown on the right side of the slide, 4 of the top 15 surnames, (and 10 of top 50) are Hispanic, according to 2000 U.S. census data
Importance: Many Latins – especially youth – maintain strong ties to the country of their family’s roots, and may continue to carry that identity rather than assimilating into the “melting pot” as previous generations of immigrants did.
Political agenda = immigration
(Remittances)
Population shift: Ten Largest U.S. cities

7. A Decade of Progress Optimistic Trends A decade of progress…
3.4% Avg GDP Growth
82% Increase of trade with U. S.
28% Decrease in unemployment
10.9% Decrease in poverty
42.7% Increase in College Enrollment
26.3% Decrease in illiteracy
Over 60% of regional population supports democracy
Over the last 10 years or so, the region has demonstrated a number of positive trends:
Economic Growth Rate: 3.4 % Avg GDP Growth ( )
U. S. Trade: 82% Increase ( ) – this is the greatest rate of increase for any region save Africa over that time period; [compared to 72% for Asia (driven largely by China), 51% for the European Union, 221% for Africa, and 64% for the world]
Decrease in Poverty by 10.9% ( )
College Enrollment: 42.7% Increase ( )
Decrease in illiteracy of 26.3%
In a recent poll, more than 60% of the regional population expressed support for democratic forms of government; however, support for democracy tends to decrease in areas that are plagued by crime and violence.

8. Challenging Conditions
Poverty
Challenging Conditions
Unequal wealth distribution
Unemployment
Social class exclusion
Impunity
Weak Government
Porous Borders
Corruption
However, despite progress, challenges remain. While these challenges listed are related to economic development, it is important we understand the environment in which we are operating.
Although poverty has decreased, in 2009, ~33% of Latin Americans lived under the poverty line—less than $2 per day, while ~13% lived in extreme poverty—less than $1 per day. This equates to 183 million poor, and 74 million living in indigence. The map on the left shows the poverty rates throughout the region.(ECLAC-2010)
Corruption, in both the public and private sectors, saps economic initiatives. The map on the right is the 2010 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, demonstrating the perception of corruption among many AOR countries is high.
Inequality- Latin America / Caribbean is the most unequal sub-region. There is wealth, but it is distributed poorly. In many countries, there is a small wealthy class and a large lower class, with little to no middle class, and little chance for upward mobility.
Less-capable governments are unable to provide internal security, secure their borders, or provide justice, allowing criminals and criminal organizations to act with impunity.
Not all AOR countries are afflicted with staggering poverty and corruption. However, these challenges are wide-spread enough to present serious regional security concerns.
Legend:
% of population below poverty line
0-20
20-40
40-60
60+
No information
Legend
7-10
6-6.9
5-5.9
4-4.9
3-3.9
2-2.9
0-1.9
Only Chile and Barbados rate above 7.0 on CPI 2010 Index
Overall poverty rate for the region is 33.0%
Source: ECLAC; CIA World Fact Book
Source: Transparency International CPI 2010
Transnational challenges require cooperative action with and among nations.

9. Security Concerns Illicit trafficking
Transnational Criminal Organizations
Natural disasters
Violent Extremist Organizations
Narco-terrorism
Crime / urban gangs
Alternatively governed spaces
Mass migration
The type of threats we collectively face in this region are not traditional military or conventional threats, and thrive in environments with challenging conditions such as poverty, unemployment, and social class exclusion.
As U.S. Secretary of Defense Gates has said, “crime, terrorism, natural disasters, economic turmoil, ethnic fissures and disease can be just as destabilizing as traditional military threats. We need to fuse old concepts of security with new concepts of how security, stability and development go hand in hand.”
In the region, Illicit traffickers and transnational criminals are taking advantage of security challenges to further their illegal activities.
Transnational violent extremist organizations primarily use the region to raise funds for operations elsewhere in the world, but have conducted attacks in the region in the past.
Narco-terrorists, such as the FARC, continue to evolve their tactics to pose new challenges from decade to decade, and have begun using the drug trade to fuel their insurgency.
As many as 100,000 gang members operate throughout the region, In many cases, they appear to have no rules, and have little regard for human life.
In some cases, these criminal organizations are providing services that governments are unable to, effectively creating alternatively governed spaces within national borders.
And SOUTHCOM also continues to monitor conditions that may lead to incidents of mass migration, primarily from Haiti or Cuba
With none of the listed challenges, does the DOD have the lead in responding to these threats.
Additionally, none of the challenges recognize national sovereignty or stop at a nation‘s border.
None can be overcome by any one nation alone—they require transnational solutions.
They cannot be overcome by the military alone—they require a ―whole of society approach—integrating interagency, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.
USSOUTHCOM focuses our efforts on two key challenges to regional security: the inevitability of natural disasters and the relentless threat posed by TCOs.

10. Political Pendulum 1998 2011 1958 1978 Dictatorships
This chart shows five decades of expanding democracy.
Much of the region has had periods of civilian rule alternated with military dictatorships.
In some countries authoritarian rule was the norm until the 1980s
By the late 1990s, almost all countries in the region had some form of democratically elected government.
However, new democracies are still fragile and vulnerable to erosion by populists and authoritarian coups.
Many argue these two conditions I discussed earlier – poverty and income inequality – helped produce the growth of Neo-populist governments in Venezuela and the ALBA countries.
While democracy is thriving in most of the region, some countries engage in undemocratic tendencies.
For example, in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Nicaragua, leaders pushed through constitutional reforms allowing them to extend their terms in office
In Venezuela, the President holds decree powers exceeding the other branches of government
In Haiti: The transition of political power remains problematic; we are closely watching recent events to see how they handle political turnover
Guatemala, the President and his wife are pushing the edges of the letter of the law, to the detriment of the spirit in which the law was written
Dictatorships
Fragile democracies
Democracies

11. Increased External Activity
Strengthening diplomatic, economic, military ties
Expanding markets and ensuring access to natural resources
Increased weapons sales and training
Goal is to be viewed as reliable and be the partner of choice
Strategy has diplomatic, economic, socio- cultural, and military elements
Seeks closer ties with Latin American governments
Seeks to impede US and European international sanctions
Using arms sales and energy agreements to gain political influence
Economic relationships concentrated on energy
Aims to bolster interest in its space program
US is not the only “product” in the region
Others actors from “outside the Western Hemisphere” are also engaging in the region
The 3 primary external influences we monitor are China, Iran, and Russia
China’s interest in the region is logical and primarily driven by economic considerations; the region offers access to vast natural resources.
trade with Latin America increased 73% from $12.1B to $102B
China is now Brazil’s #1 trade partner
Iran’s interest is mostly political and diplomatic. It has built 11 new embassies in the region in recent years, and has growing relationships with Venezuela and Bolivia.
Iran’s engagement goals are to avoid international isolation and attempt to reduce U.S. diplomatic influence, as well as secure friendly voices – and votes – within the United Nations.
Russia’s interests are also primarily economic. Russia views the region as a new market for arms sales, and an area for developing energy trade.
In some cases, these arms sales can be positive—such as the sale of 12 helicopters to Peru to increase Peruvian CIT capabilities. But in other cases, these sales have the potential to undermine regional stability, such as the large number of automatic weapons sold to Venezuela, and the potential they could reach the hands of organizations like the FARC in Colombia.

12. Our History 1903 – 1917 Panama Canal Zone
1917 – Panama Canal Department
1941 – Caribbean Defense Command
1947 – Caribbean Command
U.S. Southern Command
Panama Canal Treaties Signed
Move to Miami
Move to new HQ
Our initial history focused on providing security for the construction of the Panama Canal. Over the years, we changed size, shape, and mission, to reflect the realities of world events. As you can see, our name changed throughout the years, ultimately settling on Southern Command to show our focus on Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. For much of this history, we were based in Panama.
1903, U.S. Marines first arrived in the Panama Canal Zone to protect the railroad connecting the two coasts.
1917, Panama Canal Department activated as a geographic command of the U.S. Army
Beginning in 1941, for the WWII period, what was to become USSOUTHCOM was established as the Caribbean Defense Command, with a war-time defense mission
1947, Caribbean Command created as part of the 1947 reorganization of the military, creating the DoD and regional/geographical commands.
1963, Name change to reflect true geographical responsibilities of the command
1997, Headquarters transferred to Miami
2010- Moved into purpose-built Miami HQ Complex

13. Unified Command System
President
Service Secretaries
Secretary of Defense
Chairman JCS
Functional Responsibilities
U.S. Southern Command was established as a unified command in 1963.
We are one of six geographic COCOMs which reports to the Commander-in-Chief via the Secretary of Defense, and receives advice from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Service Chiefs, charged with the manning, training, and equipping of their services.
These Service Chiefs are force providers to the COCOMs.
Functional COCOMs support the geographic COCOMs as they execute operations within their AOR.
Geographic Responsibilities
Service Chiefs
SOCOM
JFCOM
PACOM
AFRICOM
EUCOM
ARMY
NAVY
TRANSCOM
STRATCOM
CENTCOM
MARINES
NORTHCOM
SOUTHCOM
AIR FORCE

14. Our Vision, Mission, and Objectives
Vision: We are a joint & interagency organization supporting US national security interests, and with our partners, improving security, stability & prosperity in the Americas.
Mission: We are ready to conduct joint & combined full- spectrum military operations & support whole-of-government efforts to enhance regional security & cooperation.
Strategic Objectives
Defend the United States
Foster Regional Security
Be an Enduring Partner
The US Southern Command remains prepared to defend the U.S. and project U.S. power within our Area of Responsibility; however, there currently is little likelihood of state-on-state violence in the region. The main threats are non-traditional, as I’ve discussed, and to counter them, we partner with other U.S. government agencies, our partner nations, and non-governmental organizations.
The Commander has identified 3 strategic objectives for the Command:
OBJECTIVES
First, to Defend the United States
through a layered defense: forward, by cooperating with and building partner nation capacity; then, by maintaining U.S. warfighting capability.
Second, to Foster Regional Security
-by conducting military-to-military engagement with our partners. This enhances collaborative defense, ultimately assisting with the first objective; improves the security environment, leading to stability and prosperity; and promotes respect for human rights and the rule of law
Third, to Be an Enduring Partner
-We want to be the Partner of Choice for those military-to-military engagements, as well as whole-of-government solutions to the region’s challenges
Ensuring the forward defense of the United States

15. Joint Interagency Task Force South Joint Task Force Guantánamo
Command Organization
AFSOUTH
Air Forces South
Tucson, Arizona
Army South
San Antonio, Texas
Special Operations
Command South
Homestead, Florida
Naval Forces South
Mayport, Florida
Marine Forces South
Miami, Florida
Security
Cooperation
Offices (24) US
Southern Command
ARSOUTH
NAVSOUTH
Air Forces South
Tucson, Arizona
Joint Interagency Task Force South
Key West, Florida
MARFORSOUTH
SOCSOUTH
Army South
San Antonio, Texas
JIATF-S
Joint Task Force Guantánamo
Naval Station, Cuba
Naval Forces South
Mayport, Florida
JTF-GTMO
Comalapa
Joint Task Force Bravo
Soto Cano, Honduras
Marine Forces South
Miami, Florida
Here’s how we are organized today to carry out our mission.
We have roughly 5,000-6,000 total personnel assigned and dispersed throughout our many locations and subordinate organizations.
Our headquarters here in Miami, and our “component” commands from each of the military services and special operations command spread out across the southern United States.
Additionally, there are 24 Security Cooperation Offices throughout the AOR to conduct security cooperation and engagement activities.
Cooperative Security Locations in El Salvador and Aruba/Curacao.
Cooperative Security Locations are not bases… they are locations we can operate out of, in restrictive agreements, which we can use for Counter-Narcotics monitoring
The purple boxes on the right represent the Joint Task Forces which are unique to USSOUTHCOM.
Joint Interagency Task-Force South
The Key West, Fla.-based Joint Interagency Task Force-South is the SOUTHCOM organization that integrates and synchronizes interagency counter drug operations, and is responsible for the detection and monitoring of suspect air and maritime drug activity in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern Pacific.
JIATF-South also collects, processes, and disseminates counter drug information for interagency and partner nation operations.
JOA spans USSOUTHCOM and USNORTHCOM AORs, as well as EUCOM and PACOM – important element to bridge the seam between the 2 COCOMs regarding illicit trafficking
JTF-GTMO
Responsible for the safe, humane, legal, and transparent care of detainees in support of the GWOT.
JTF-B
Long standing Joint Task Force in Soto Cano, Honduras
Largest unit forward positioned within the AOR
Consists primarily of helicopters, medical personnel
Has HA/DR, PR, CIT, and NEO role
Comalapa
JTF-B
Curacao
Special Operations
Command South
Homestead, Florida
Cooperative Security Locations

16. USSOUTHCOM Headquarters
Senior Enlisted Leader
SgtMaj Espinal
Combatant Commander
General Fraser
Civilian Deputy to the Commander & Foreign Policy Advisor
Ambassador Trivelli
Military Deputy Commander
LTG Keen
Chief of Staff J1
Manpower & Personnel J2
Intelligence, Surveillance & Recon J3
Operations J4
Logistics J5
Strategy, Plans & Policy J6
Comm. System Dominance J7
Theater Security Cooperation Engagement J8
Resources & Assessments J9
Partnering
Services
Interagency Partners
Army
Since January 2010, the headquarters is organized as traditional J-Code
We include elements that allow us to support whole-of-government solutions to the diverse challenges we face, such as having a Civilian Deputy to the Commander, in addition to our Military Deputy Commander.
Because partnerships of all types are the key to success, here at our headquarters, we have U.S. military expertise from all the services, multinational representation, and multiple representatives from various other Federal Agencies. These representatives are integrated at all levels across our staff, not segregated into a separate part of the organization.
We also have strategic partnerships with academic institutions. For many of these institutions listed, USSOUTHCOM helps fund and facilitate the attendance of military and inter-institutional students from throughout our region.
We also have growing relationships with civilian academic institutions, to include fellowships, co-sponsored conferences, and daily exchange of ideas and information.
Another type of partnering that has benefitted us enormously is our public-private cooperation with businesses and non-governmental organizations in the region
These partnerships allow us to leverage resources and expertise of specialized communities that are in short supply in DoD;
They help us respond more quickly and effectively during a disaster (as witnessed in Haiti);
And they bring together different perspectives and capacities to address security and stability issues in Latin America & the Caribbean
With them, we can create Communities of Interest and Communities of Action, composed of stakeholders that have a mutual interest in one of our problem sets.
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Liaison Officers
Homeland Security
State
Commerce
Defense
Brazil
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Partner Academic Institutions
Justice
USAID
Energy
Treasury
Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation
Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies
Naval Small Craft Instruction & Technical Training School
School of International Graduate Studies
Inter-American Defense College
Inter-American Air Forces Academy
Intelligence Agencies

17. Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief Peacekeeping Operations
Our Focus Areas
Counter Illicit Trafficking
Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief
The strategic objectives I described earlier place a high demand on current resources. In order to prioritize our efforts and expenditures, we have identified these areas to better inform our planning, programming, and budgeting decisions.
First, Counter Illicit Trafficking. Illicit Trafficking is a significant security challenge throughout the AOR, as it brings together money, power, and the ability to breach national borders
Second, Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief. The capability to respond rapidly to a disaster requires contingency planning at the strategic and operational levels, and must take palace between the USSOUTHCOM, other USG agencies, and the international community.
And third, Peace Keeping Operations. There is tremendous commitment throughout the region with respect to PKO. We continue to seek opportunities to expand the impact our respective armed forces have globally in terms of peacekeeping.
Peacekeeping Operations

18. The Network of Illicit Trafficking
Drug & human trafficking, weapons smuggling & money laundering:
At least $394 billion a year global industry
UK: #1 per capita consumer
US: Largest Consumer €
Increasing Demand $
Arms
ECU, JUL 2010 $
Arms
Cocaine Production
COL, FEB 2011
Brazil: #2 Global Consumer
Looking first at illicit trafficking, this map gives a simplified overview of world-wide trafficking, focusing on Cocaine flow within the region.
By some estimates, world-wide illicit trafficking is a $300-$400B annual enterprise.
The charts on the bottom of the slide show suspected track activity for 2010; air traffic is on the left, and maritime on the right. These demonstrate the increased use of Central American countries as a transit route, in addition to the traditional Caribbean routes. Additionally, this map shows the increasing use of southern and eastern routes to supply growing demand in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
TCOs, illicit trafficking, and violence are evolving challenges:
Criminal organizations engage in the illicit trafficking of drugs, arms, money, and people through porous borders throughout the region
TCOs construct flexible, resilient networks – bounce back after setbacks (arrests / deaths of leadership)
Operate through the air, sea, and overland
Compounding the challenge, TCOs are innovative and adaptive. They have begun constructing self-propelled fully-submersible vessels to transport illicit goods between South America and Central America or Mexico, which are extremely difficult to detect, monitor, and interdict.
Other things to consider:
Major markets tend to be major consumers, such as the U.S. and Brazil as the #1 and #2 cocaine consumers, and the UK as the #1 per capita consumer
Less capable states are often used for transit between source and consumption. These states are often plagued by other factors, such as difficult borders to secure, the presence of gangs, and other high crime rates.
Illicit trafficking routes exploit areas, such as North Africa and the Middle East, that are also exploited by Islamic Violent Extremist organizations. The potential nexus between illicit trafficking, transnational terrorism, and WMD could pose a potential threat to the U.S. and partners.
2010 Air Activity
2010 Maritime Activity
Illicit trafficking: Potential nexus for transnational terrorism
& the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

19. Disrupt normal illicit trafficking vectors to increase vulnerability
Drug Trafficking in the AOR
Desired Effect:
Disrupt normal illicit trafficking vectors to increase vulnerability
Flexible, resilient networks
Innovative and adaptive
Regional Impacts
Skyrocketing homicide
Increased crime
Increased security spending
Reduced foreign investment
Private security growth
Use of military for domestic security
HND
GTM
In 2009, almost 2/3s of the estimated 909 MT of global cocaine (almost 600MT) departed South America for US markets; 32%, (~ 290 MT) for Europe; 5%, (~ 45 MT) to Canada and Asia
Colombia remains the leading cocaine producer at 42%, and most cocaine in the US comes from Colombia
The most common vessel remains go-fasts, which account for 31% of all drug smuggling events, but traffickers also rely on commercial vessels and low profile vessels such as submersibles
Approximately 90% of all cocaine flow to the US passed through the Mexico/Central America corridor – the bubbles on this map show the areas where cocaine made its first stop after leaving South America – Honduras (favored destination of light aircraft), Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama (over land from Colombia)
Venezuela has become a major port of debarkation for Colombian cocaine headed to the U.S., as well as cocaine headed to European and other markets
USSOUTHCOM has limited ability to influence trafficking along the land corridor; our goal is to push the trafficking out to international waters where we can detect & monitor, and law enforcement agencies or partner nations can interdict
Near Term Impact:
The evolution of TCOs is correlated with a dramatic rise in violence in recent years.
Skyrocketing homicide rates in partner nations
Increasing crime (kidnapping, theft, extortion, money laundering)
Increased spending on internal security operations
Reduced foreign investment in partner nations
Long Term Impact:
Reduced participation in democratic processes
Privatized security rivals state security apparatus / vigilantism
PAN
Proportional rep. of 1st stop for cocaine traffic
(Honduras ~ 38%)
CRI
Air Vector
Maritime Vector
Ground Vector

20. Counter Illicit Trafficking
UNCLASSIFIED
Counter Illicit Trafficking
Build Partner Capacity / Intelligence / Detection & Monitoring
Train, equip, provide base support, and build infrastructure in support of law enforcement agencies
Provide Partner Nations (PN) capabilities to:
Respond independently to internal illicit trafficking threats or in concert with other PN’s
Support regional US counter-illicit trafficking goals and objectives as an operational element of Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATF-S)
Partner Nation Capability Program Areas:
Ground Reaction Interdiction & Apprehension
Maritime Interdiction
Riverine Interdiction
Aerial Domain Awareness
Intelligence
Build Partner Capacity
3-prong approach to CIT: BPC, Intelligence, Detection & Monitoring
Intelligence: Provide collection assets through Global Force Management Allocation, contracting (i.e. Colombia)
BPC:
Respond independently to internal illicit trafficking threats or in concert with other PN’s
Support regional US counter-illicit trafficking goals and objectives as an operational element of (JIATF-S)
PN Maritime Interdiction Capability
Maritime Interdiction Plan
Maritime Patrol Aircraft support to JIATF-S
Southern Border Security Initiative
PN Ground Reaction Interdiction and Apprehension Capability
Regional Helicopter Training Center (RHTC) for Spanish speaking students
Sustain Colombia as a regional ally
PN Riverine Interdiction Capability
Infrastructure
LAV Battalion
PN Aerial Domain Awareness Capability
Sovereign Skies
Detection & Monitoring: JIATF-S,
Detection and Monitoring

21. Trends in Homicide Rates per 100,000
Illicit Trafficking Portends Violence
Trends in Homicide Rates per 100,000
2007—major shift in illicit trafficking routes
90% of all cocaine destined for the U.S. now passes through Central America
: 59,085 homicides in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador
Sources: National Civilian Police Figures & government institutions (various)
Population
( = 10 million)
Homicides
( = 1 thousand)
TCOs are not only innovative—they are extremely violent
Of the countries with the highest murder rates in the world—almost all of them all lie along the key cocaine trafficking routes
TCOs (particularly Mexican ones) are aggressively transnational—seeking new markets, new routes, and new bases of operations
2007—major shift in trafficking routes to CENTAM—MEX and COL success in CIT/pressuring TCOs
Result—CENTAM (and Northern Triangle in particular)—now the most violent region in the world outside of active war zones
While violence in MEX captures most of the media’s attention—CENTAM is much worse
Since DEC 2006—when PRES Calderon declared war on drug cartels in MEX—34,550 people have died in drug-related violence in MEX
During the same time period in CENTAM—59,085 homicides in the Northern Triangle
MEX population much larger—CENTAM murder rates are reaching epidemic—civil war proportions
Consequences—security threats
Corrode CENTAM states from within
Weakened states—could allow safe haven or expanded base of operations for TCOs in the region—cross border sanctuary, undermine MEX efforts
Dramatically impede CN operations
Gravest threat posed by TCOs
Illicit trafficking networks employed by TCOs could be used for other means—smuggling of terrorists into U.S.
Mexico
123,000,000
35,000
Central
America
41,000,000
67,000

22. International Actions
Combating Violence in CENTAM
Belize
Army, Coast Guard patrols with police
Guatemala
State of Siege in Alta Verapaz (Dec 10 – Feb 11)
Soldiers posted on buses
Honduras
Army patrols with police
Security and Justice Reform
Nicaragua
Anti-Gang reforms
El Salvador
Army patrols w/police
Goods for Guns Program
Panama
Regional anti-drug center
Youth violence programs
Costa Rica
National Plan to control violence
USG Actions
Central American Regional Security Initiative—CARSI
The Central America Citizen Security Partnership
Build partner nation capacity to counter illicit traffic and TCOs
Anti-gang initiatives
Border security
International Actions
SICA Regional Security Plan
Support from IDB, World Bank, and UN
UNDP initiatives (small arms control, violence reduction)
World Bank’s Small Grant Program for Violence Prevention (SGPVP)
Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG)
Combating Violence in CENTAM
CENTAM nations are recognizing this threat
CENTAM—taking steps to address this issue
Military patrolling with police
Stronger anti-gang policies/juvenile development programs
Institutional reforms
USG—supporting CENTAM
CARSI and Central America Citizen Security Partnership
SICA—Regional Security Strategy, support from IADB, United Nations, and World Bank
Guatemala—CICIG—UN backed Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala

23. Recent Natural Disasters
A question of “when,” not “if”…
Nov 08 – Costa Rica/Panama – Floods
Nov 08 – Haiti – School Collapse
Nov 08 – Colombia – Volcano/Floods
Dec 08 – Uruguay – Forest Fires
Jan 09 – Costa Rica – Earthquake
May 09 – Honduras – Earthquake
Nov 09 – El Salvador – Floods
Jan 10 – Haiti – Earthquake
Feb 10 – Chile – Earthquake
May 10 – Guatemala – Volcano /Floods
Nov 10 – Haiti – Hurricane Tomas
This list represents some recent natural disasters in the AOR, and demonstrates the variety of disasters we may have to face.

24. Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief
$45.6M in disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance in FY10
Disaster Preparedness
Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) & DOD Excess Property Program
Build & stock Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) and Disaster Relief Warehouses (DRWs)
Train PN medical first responders
Build or renovate schools, community shelters, warehouses, clinics, hospitals, wells
Create disease surveillance programs
Disaster Relief, 2010
January, Haiti earthquake
February, Chile earthquake
May - June, TS Agatha & volcanoes in Guatemala
September, Hurricane Tomas in Haiti
Turning now to the next focus area, HA/DR, before disaster strikes, our Humanitarian Assistance Program and DOD Excess Property Program allow us to build and stock Disaster Relief Warehouses, build Emergency Operations Centers, train emergency medical personnel, and renovate schools, community centers, clinics and hospitals, to improve the countries’ disaster response capabilities.
Additionally, we help create disease surveillance programs, to identify and contain outbreaks and emerging diseases
And when disaster does strike, USSOUTHCOM may be asked to respond, as we were several times in 2010 to support whole-of-government efforts, a few of which are shown on this slide.
In January, we deployed over 20,000 troops, 23 ships, and numerous aircraft to support relief operations following the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
Shortly after, in February, we provided a smaller contingent of troops and equipment following another severe earthquake in Chile.
A few months later, when TS Agatha caused widespread flooding and mudslides in Guatemala, USSOUTHCOM again deployed personnel, ships, and aircraft to provide relief supplies and to conduct infrastructure assessments.

25. Peacekeeping Operations
Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI) provides funds to train & equip PN PKO units
9 current GPOI partner nations, 3 nations in process of becoming partners
Several GPOI partners have deployed or will deploy GPOI-funded troops on PKO missions
UN Deployments
14 AOR countries
Contributing nearly 8,000 personnel to UNPKO missions worldwide
Troops, police, military experts
Turning to Peacekeeping Operations, the Final Focus Area:
USSOUTHCOM supports the Global Peace Operations Initiative, or GPOI. This Presidential initiative is run by the State Department, and is intended to increase the capacity of countries to deploy in support of international peace and stabilization operations. Countries receive equipment and funding assistance, and USSOUTHCOM provides PKO training opportunities, including Partnership of the Americas, and PKO-Americas.
Partnership of the Americas POA is an annual Marine Forces-South company-level exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability between U.S. and partner-nation Marines in the areas of amphibious operations, non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO), peacekeeping and disaster relief.
Peacekeeping Operations – Americas (PKO-Americas) PKO Americas is a multi-national Command Post Exercise designed to improve participating partner nations’ and US capabilities to act as a multinational peacekeeping force in support of UN peacekeeping operations.
And to look at some of the successes that the countries of the region have had with supporting peacekeeping operations, you can see that 14 AOR countries currently contribute nearly 8,000 personnel to UN PKO missions worldwide, including troops, police, and military experts
The Commanding General officer in charge of MINUSTAH in Haiti has been provided by Brazil since 2004, and 14 countries from the region are providing a lion’s share of the effort in that country
[DO NOT BRIEF] 9 current GPOI partner nations (DOM, GTM, SLV, HND, NIC, BLZ, PER, PRY, URY), 3 nations (COL, CHL, ECU) invited to join, funding allocated, awaiting PN signature of agreement under Section 505 of Foreign Assistance Act, GPOI funding has been used to send instructors from 3 non-GPOI partner nations (ARG, BRA, CHL) to teach at GPOI-partner training centers to leverage their experience in helping less-experienced partner nations.

26. Theater Security Cooperation Activities - FY11
Combined Education
61 events
Combined
Exercises
59 events
Combined
Experimentation
4 events
Combined
Training
104 events
Counter/Non-Proliferation
0 events
Counternarcotics
Assistance
196 events
Defense and Military Contacts
668 events
Def Support to Public Diplomacy
0 events
Infrastructure Support Projects
1 events
Humanitarian Assistance
83 events
Information Sharing
61 Events
Int’l Armaments Cooperation
0 events
FMS: Foreign Military Sales
FMF: Foreign Military Finance
IMET: Intl Military Education and Training
CTFP: Combating Terrorism Fellowship Program
So, how do we go about achieving our strategic objectives?
Our primary tool for accomplishing our mission is conducting Theater Security Cooperation Activities to Build Partner Nation Capacity.
This slide shows all of the different types of activities, with the number of each planned for FY11.
As you can see, our primary emphasis is on activities such as Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, Counternarcotics and Humanitarian Assistance, Combined Training and Exercises, and Information Exchanges.
As part of our TSC activities, we share information on challenges to security and stability in the region, including illicit trafficking and natural disasters. One example is our CNIES system, or Cooperative Nation Information Exchange Service – a computer system that allows us to coordinate counterdrug operations with our partners.
Support Tools to achieve
Strategic Objectives
Other Programs (CTFP)
365 events
Security Assistance
FMS, FMF, IMET
12 events
USSOUTHCOM is committed to building and sustaining enduring relationships

27. Air Force Engagement in our AOR
Humanitarian Assistance
Operation UNIFIED RESPONSE Haiti
2200 Airmen, 5 Expeditionary Units, 6 Communications Packages
Combined
Training
NEW HORIZONS
16 MEDRETES and DENTRETES
103,309 patients treated
Combined
Exercises PANAMAX
Pioneered approval process to allow PNs into AF Network
Counternarcotics
Assistance:
Surveillance Architecture
Education
Subject Matter Expert Exchanges International Affairs Specialist Program: RAS/PAS Language Training Programs
Security Cooperation & Assistance
Cooperation Teams (CT-1)
AFSAT IIAFA &PME
AWC , ASSC, ALP

28. USAF - Building Partner Capacity
AT-6 US
Fairchild North American Hughes Curtis Douglas Vaught Northrop Grumman Beechcraft Boeing
1950
1980
2010
BPC—multi-axis problem
State’s recognition of the problem & willingness to participate
Varying degrees of capabilities & scale of capacity to absorb
Limitations on US engagement (Human Rights; DSCA process for FMF/FMS)
Example: US capability to address states’ true requirements—for example, the Light Attack/Attack and Reconnaissance platforms
1950s-early 1970s—U.S. aerospace industry offered numerous aircraft to meet this role.
Presently—we are now down to just a few—in reality, down to one—the AT-6.
During the same timeframe—our allies and enemies also offered many types of aircraft to meet this role.
Smaller PNs—role of Light Aircraft capabilities for Smaller PNs
Training with Light Mobility Aircraft, Light ISR, and Light Attack appears to represent an avenue that ‘makes sense’ for many of the smaller Air Forces in the region.
Need to think our way through what this means
PC-21
AT-29
Foreign
PC-9
KA-1
Russia (MiG), China (CAIC), Brazil (Embraer), Switzerland (Pilatus), Czech (Let), Germany (MBB), France (Specat), England (Bae), Yugo (Soko)

29. Closing Thought
“As we move to the future, we are committed to building focused, collaborative approaches that will enable all of us – USSOUTHCOM, our interagency colleagues and partners alike, – to work together to address the challenges we collectively face.”
-- General Douglas Fraser
Commander, United States Southern Command
Sir, to leave you with a parting thought from General Fraser, it’s that the transnational challenges we face in this region cannot be solved by one person, one organization, or even one country. The require collaborative solutions across whole-of-governments and international partners in the region.
Thank you. This concludes the Command Brief, pending any questions you have.

30. Fueling the Enterprise

31. Theater Security Cooperation
Dom Rep MOD visit
CHDS Seminar
COLMIL J2 visit
MEDCAP - Guyana
January
February
March
CN Assistance – Honduras (operations center, pier improvement)
Mini-MEDRETE
Honduras
Mini-MEDRETE
Belize
BTH CARIB
Tradewinds - Carib
HSV SWIFT
Support Tools to achieve
Strategic Objectives
USS GUNSTON HALL SMEE
PKO Americas
NH Haiti
BTH CENTAM
Guatemala / Belize GO/FO discussions
Aviation Maint. SMEE - Paraguay
WHINSEC SME Conf.
Brazil Sr. Analyst visit
Disaster Preparedness SMEE - Nicaragua
PR SMEE - Guatemala
Total Events January – March 2011
Defense / Military Contacts: 86 Events
Combined / Multinational Education: 20 Events
Combined / Multinational Training: 13 Events
Combined / Multinational Exercises: 10 Events
Counternarcotics Assistance: 7 Events
Information Sharing: 6 Events
Combined / Multinational Experimentation: 2 Events
Humanitarian Assistance: 2 Events
Our primary tool for achieving our strategic objectives is conducting Theater Security Cooperation Activities that we use to Build Partner Nation Capacity.
This slide shows all of the different types of activities, with the number of each conducted during the first three months of this calendar year.
Top Events Conducted & Highlights
Education: International Military Education and Training, or IMET, is a key component of our engagement strategy to develop long term relations with our partner nations. The program concentrates on providing professional military education and management courses to international military students.
Exercises: We provide other types of training, particularly with our robust exercise program.
Information Sharing: We also share information on challenges to security and stability in the region, including illicit trafficking and natural disasters. One example is our CNIES system, or Cooperative Nation Information Exchange Service – a computer system that allows us to coordinate counterdrug operations with our partners.
USSOUTHCOM is committed to building and sustaining enduring relationships

32. Exercise Program Categories
Foreign Military
Interaction
Operational
Humanitarian and
Civic Assistance
Joint and Combined exercises also help us prepare to achieve our strategic objectives. The three types of exercises USSOUTHCOM conducts are Operational, Foreign Military Interaction, and Humanitarian Civic Assistance.
Operational exercises are designed to train the SOUTHCOM Staff to execute their wartime battle staff responsibilities. Examples include Ellipse Echo (counterterrorism) and Integrated Advance (mass migration). PANAMAX, a large, multi-national exercise based on a defense of the Panama Canal scenario, is an example of an exercise used for operational training as well as foreign military interaction.
Foreign Military Interaction exercises are regionally focused to enhance the capabilities of our partner nations in functions that are appropriate to their principal security threats. These help build professional forces and interoperability with the US. For example, we’ve recently completed a very successful Tradewinds 2011 exercise, during which U.S. Sailors and Marines conducted a variety of types of training with partner nations in the Caribbean, to include Belize. Currently on-going is FA HUM 11, built around the scenario of an earthquake in TTO.
Next I’ll talk a little more in-depth on Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA) exercises.
PANAMAX
INTEGRATED ADVANCE
ELLIPSE ECHO
PANAMAX
UNITAS Atlantic/Pacific
FA HUMANITARIAS TRADEWINDS
PKO AMERICAS
FUERZAS COMANDO
BTH CARIBE
BTH CENTAM
New Horizons
MEDRETE

33. Humanitarian and Civic Assistance
FY 10 – 76 MEDRETES/MEDCAPS
Patients Treated: 276,827
Animals Treated: 15,102
Surgeries: 1,017
Medical Readiness Training / Exercises (MEDRETES), Engineering, Civil Affairs:
“Activities to promote the specific operational readiness skills of US Forces”
Improves joint training readiness of United States military Engineer, Combat Support, Combat Service Support , and Medical units
Provides tangible benefit to host nation: engineer construction, rudimentary road construction/repair, water wells, medical outreach
Caribbean (31)
Dom Rep (BTH) 7
Guyana
Trinidad Tobago 3
Suriname (NH)
Haiti (NH)
Central America (36)
Belize
El Salvador (BTH) 4
Guatemala
Honduras
Panama
Nicaragua
Costa Rica
Andean Ridge (16)
Colombia
Ecuador
Peru
HCA exercises are a tool that allows us to prepare for disasters is our Humanitarian and Civic Assistance Exercise program. Our HCA exercises, including New Horizons, Beyond the Horizons, and Medical Readiness Training / Exercises, allow us to achieve 3 goals:
Train our units and personnel on engineering, civil affairs, and medical tasks;
Leave a tangible benefit for the host country, such as renovated schools, new water wells, or repaired roads;
And demonstrate good-will on behalf of the U.S. to the countries in the region.
The map on the left of the slide shows HCA exercises planned for FY11. As you can see, there are multiple exercises scheduled throughout Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
SOUTHERN CONE (6)
Paraguay 6
MEDRETEs
Beyond The Horizons (BTH)
New Horizons (NH)

34. Partner Nation Training (1 of 2)
Chile Air Force
Example of Aircraft In Inventory
F-16 MLU
CASA 212
F-5E Tigre III
Super Tucano
UH-60
Boeing 707 CONDOR
Boeing 767
KC-135

35. Partner Nation Training
Colombia Air Force
A-29 Super Tucano
Example of Aircraft In Inventory
A-27 Tucano
AC-47 Gunship
OV-10 Bronco
A-37 Dragonfly
UH-60 Blackhawk
Mirage V
KFIR C7

36. Partner Nation Training
Guatemala Air Force
Example of Aircraft In Inventory
ENAER T-35 Pillan
IAI Arava  
Pilatus PC-7 
Security Assistance and Training for Smaller PNs
Security assistance programs we offer the region is robust—and often unrealistic for smaller PNs
We possess an intuitive understanding of our peers and near-peers in the region
A training program that is appropriate for Chile may not be appropriate—or even realistic—for Guatemala
BPC—recurring issue/challenge for USAF
Cessna A-37 Dragonfly
Fokker F-27
Bell 212 Twin Huey   

37. Partner Nation Training
Costa Rica Ministry of Public Security
Example of Aircraft In Inventory
Piper PA-31 Navajo
Piper PA-31T Cheyenne  
Cessna T210N Centurion 
Role of Light Aircraft capabilities
Equipping and training with Light Mobility Aircraft, Light ISR, and Light Attack appears to represent an avenue that ‘makes sense’ for many of the smaller Air Forces in the region.
Need to think our way through what this means
My perspective.
Capacity building -- a force for the asymmetric fight:
Requires airframes, manning, training, funding, employment, logistics support, long term O&S
Develop the overhead required to support operations: if build for asymmetric fight, important for USAF and becomes attractive for partners
Already built structure for MC-12; I think AF should do same with Light Attack and Light Mobility Aircraft
Need to re-evaluate support capacity for partners: small fleet management is difficult and hard to fit in our “large fleet” management system
Our Goal: through structured engagement and capacity building, USAF can help make AFs more relevant and beneficial force for all our PNs.
Piper PA-34 Seneca
Cessna 206 Stationair
McDonnell Douglas MD.500E   

38. USAF BPC -- Recurring IW Mission
WW II - Korea
Vietnam
Proxy Wars
Desert Storm / Allied Force
OEF/OIF & Forward
Insurgencies & Revolts
Insurgencies & Revolts
USSR Dissolves
Insurgencies & Revolts
“Long War”
IW Strategic Setting ?
Terrorism ascendency
State Insolvencies
1950
1980
2010
1992 FID doctrinal zenith
USAF IW Commitment
JFK mission push
IW airpower ad hoc
F-22 / F-35 hi-conventional H
COIN wings deactivated
“Never again”
Reluctant participation
AF Investment, Mission Expertise & Capable Platforms Flat Lining at Low
AirLand focus
The Story: Since fixed wing and rotary aviation entered the military equation, there has been a requirement for specialized capabilities—engagement with non-traditional and/or non-linear forces.
By whatever name you want to call it—unconventional warfare; special operations; low intensity conflict; counter insurgency; military operations other than war; foreign internal defense, etc—distinct preparation, training and equipment is necessary.
IA has been around since war itself—USAF has been resistant to fully embracing this mission set
Today, this resistance has the additional negative impact of not only reducing the capability we have to build partners—could opening the door for losing influence around the globe.
From WWII, through Proxy Wars in CENTAM through Operations Desert Storm, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom—constant cycle of combat requirement ultimately overpowering organizational disinterest
Light attack/recon in irregular warfare advocacy in 1942 is akin to that for 2012
Cycle of reluctant acquiescence & subsequent discard of mission set
Parallel ebb & flow between Air Force intellectual thought—largely from schools such as this (Air War College), and the Air University writ large—mirrors that of expertise and capability (systems, aircraft, etc) that have been available.
Requirement is not going away—and argument is easily made that it will be our predominant threat for the next decade or so
Air Power—essential element to an overall strategy in the IW context—for us or our partners.
Absence of training, exercising and developing that element relegates it to be either conceived by non-Airmen, which is unlikely to be the most effective, or ignored altogether which ensures perpetuating the cycle of re-learning.
Island campaigners & myriad aircraft L
Residual Airmen & systems:
WWII & Korea into Vietnam
Vietnam into Proxies
Largely non-Mil operators & aircraft fleets retiring
Primarily Flight Training Mission
Retired experts & hi-end conventional systems
Expertise & Capability
Address & Discard…Perpetual Cycle
Inhibits Innovation, Prohibits Opportunity & Compels Re-Learning

39. IW – Critical Capabilities
Essential Elements of a Responsive, Effective Air Arm
Role
Mission
Aircraft Candidates
Light ISR
Supports all aspects of IW mission;
counter insurgency; internal defense; building partnership capacity
MC-12
Light Lift
Gov’t access to all areas of state; resupply of special forces/regular forces; logistics for humanitarian relief, etc.
Cessna Caravan
Rotary Lift
Airlift of emergency security / disaster response forces; emergency evacuation; medical evacuation; transport
UH-1 Huey II
Light Attack
Light precision attack; armed reconnaissance; training; manned ISR
AT-6
Capacity building—a force for the asymmetric fight:
Requires airframes, manning, training, funding, employment, logistics support, long term O&S
Develop the overhead required to support op: if build for asymmetric fight, important for USAF and becomes attractive for partners
Already built structure for MC-12
I think AF should do same with Light Attack and Light Mobility Aircraft
Need to re-evaluate support capacity for partners: small fleet management is difficult and hard to fit in our “large fleet” management system
Essential Elements of a Responsive, Effective Air Arm
Light ISR—supports all aspects IW mission
Counter insurgency, internal defense & BPC
Light Lift—gov’t access to all areas of state; resupply of special forces/regular forces; logistics for HA/DR
Rotary Lift—airlift of emergency security, DR forces, emergency evacuation, medical evacuation/transport
Light Attack—armed recce, training, manned ISR & light precision attack

40. Regional “Initiatives”
DoS and DoD recognize that the threats to citizen safety are interrelated and need a comprehensive approach
Greater emphasis on Building Partnerships and taking advantage of regional expertise and leadership
Objectives
Strengthen and integrate security from the U.S. Southwest border to Colombia, including the littoral waters of the Caribbean
Produce a safer, more secure hemisphere
Criminal organizations no longer can destabilize governments or threaten security and public safety
Prevent the entry and spread of illicit drugs, arms, violence, and transnational threats
USSOUTHCOM supports the USG’s Strategy for the Americas, which is founded on 4 pillars:
Strengthen Democracy, Develop Economic Prosperity, Improve Citizen Safety, and Create a Secure Energy Future
The objective is a community of democratic nations with shared political and economic values that work together to secure the region against terrorism and illegal drugs.
USSOUTHCOM’s primary role is to support the Initiatives that address the issue of Citizen Safety: CARSI, CBSI, CSDI, and with NORTHCOM, Merida.
We do this by building and strengthening the security capabilities of our partner nations, with new equipment, advanced education and training, and increased information sharing.
This chart shows the Citizen Safety initiatives on a map of the region.
Merida in purple
Central America Regional Security Initiative in Green
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative in Yellow
And Colombia Strategic Development Initiative in Pink
Working with the nations in the region, we build partner capacity to provide safety to their citizens and secure their borders.
The goal is to strengthen security from the South West Border of the United States, through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, to Colombia, so that governments are not threatened by transnational criminal organizations, and the flow of illicit goods and transnational threats is reduced.
“Initiatives” are independent and vary in pace, scope, and complexity, as well as the degree of US involvement and US support; each initiative requires an individual strategy

41. U.S. Southern Command Our Profile
Over 1,200 military and civilian personnel
Integrated, interagency headquarters
New Complex -- commitment to Miami and region
630,425-square-foot building supports 2,800 workers
Conference Center of the Americas allows multiple conferences
Connections to the South Florida Community
Gateway to Latin America; vibrant international community
Local businesses and organizations invite USSOUTHCOM personnel to 50+ events a year
DoD activities contribute $3.6 billion annually to Florida economy
Military families attend schools; volunteer in organizations; foster vibrant communities
USSOUTHCOM sponsors Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, Community Business and Civic Leaders Awareness Program