USAF Presence in Latin America in the 21st Century

摘要

This report develops options for maintaining a physical USAF presence in Latin America after 1999 when the Panama Canal Treaty expires and the U.S. loses access to its bases in Panama. The report first explains the strategic importance of Latin America to the United States, then establishes U.S. military objectives in the region. It then proceeds to determine whether or not a physical USAF presence is in fact needed in the area to support those objectives, concluding one is necessary. Finally, it develops a model for a presence consisting of reactivating major and minor facilities, establishing new ones, increasing Air Attache positions, and establishing an Air Force Civic Action Program.