Drug intoxicated irregular fighters
Subtitle: complications, dangers, and responses
By: Paul Rexton Kan.
Contributors: Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute.
Publisher: Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College
Published: 2008
Place of publication: [Carlisle, PA]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 43
ISBN-13: 9781584873440
Subjects: Guerrillas -- Drug use; Paramilitary forces -- Drug use; Child soldiers -- Drug use; Drugs of abuse -- Physiological effect
Description: The presence of drugged fighters is not unknown in the history of warfare. Yet widespread drug use on the battlefield is now part of protracted conflicts largely fought by nonprofessional combatants that take place in an international system characterized by the process of globalization. From marijuana, khat, hallucinogenic mushrooms, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine to looted pharmaceuticals, irregular fighters have found a ready supply of narcotics to consume for a variety of combat purposes. Such consumption has led to unpredictable fighting, the commission of atrocities, and to the prolongation of internal violence. The presence of intoxicated combatants will continue to be a feature of armed conflict and requires a fuller accounting to adequately prepare policymakers and military planners for future conflicts.
Notes: "March 2008."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 35-43).

Electronic version also available on the SSI website.
Table of contents: title: Degrees of drug use in contemporary conflicts; title: Drug demand among combatants; title: Drug supply in contemporary conflicts; title: Types of drugs used in contemporary conflicts; title: Effects of drug use on the battlefield; title: Challenges for conventional militaries; title: Responses to drug use by combatants; title: Recommendations.