Date of Award

9-1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Craig M. Brandt, PhD

Abstract

The United States has used security assistance training in Latin America as an element of foreign policy. This study determines intentions and results of security assistance training in Latin America and analyzes training statistics to evaluate its use as an instrument of foreign policy. This study also assesses the contribution of defense schools where Latin Americans receive security assistance training in their native Spanish language. The overriding purpose behind this research is to determine if security assistance training was intended to be a Cold War instrument of foreign policy or if it is an instrument of a more enduring nature. The study uses the historical research method to collect, analyze, and evaluate research data. This study arrives at four conclusions. First, security assistance training of Latin Americans was not solely intended to meet Cold War requirements, but instead was a foreign policy tool used for various purposes. Second, IMET training statistics show that security assistance training was indeed an element of foreign policy. Third Spanish language schools were major training vehicles for the security assistance training of Latin Americans. Fourth, the results of security assistance training have contributed significantly to improving the professionalism and competency of Latin American militaries.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GLM-LAL-95S-3

DTIC Accession Number

ADA301595

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Logistics and Acquisition Management of the Air Force Institute of Technology.

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