1. Counterdrug National Guard Counterdrug
Program personnel, as a whole,
second largest marijuana operation
in state history, whereupon 26,212
Task Force are woven into the fabric of our
communities all across America,
plants with a street value of more
than $52 million were seized.
operating in 54 states and territories. Another important aspect of
The Counterdrug Task Force The more than 40 members the CDTF is the Drug Demand and
conducts a full-spectrum campaign of the Ga. CDTF assists civil Reduction program, which provides
that bridges the gap between authorities in illegal narcotic and educational programs to schools
Department of Defense and non- property seizures, and marijuana and civic organizations on drug
Department of Defense institutions eradication. Additionally, through awareness and prevention. During
in the fight against illicit drugs programs such as the Drug Demand 2010, this drug awareness program
and transnational threats to the Reduction program, the CDTF was presented to a total of more than
homeland. The program contributes provides education to schools and 77,825 students.
military support for local, state and civic organizations throughout In 2011, the CDTF underwent a
federal law enforcement agencies Georgia. three-day counterdrug performance
and community-based organizations In 2010, the more than 40 highly evaluation. This inspection,
as well as combatant commanders. trained Georgia Guardsmen in the conducted by National Guard Bureau
The Counterdrug program’s goal CDTF assisted in illegal narcotic and Counterdrug Operations, reviewed
is to provide the nation with a drug- property seizures totaling in excess the program’s administration
free, mission-ready force to defend of $421 million dollars. Marijuana and logistics, aviation resources,
the interests of its citizens at home Eradication in 2010 was at its highest training, and finance operations.
and abroad. in years, with over 75,000 outdoor It also reviewed the CDTF
The unique military skills of these plants being eradicated. administrators of the Georgia
Soldiers and Airmen are the key to In July 2010, the largest Guard’s Joint Substance Abuse
providing this vital support. They Methamphetamine lab on the Program, or JSAP. Georgia Guard
work at all levels of government to entire East Coast was discovered, CDTF program scored 98 out of a
anticipate, deter, and defeat these producing approximately 200 lbs. of possible 100 on the inspection. The
threats in order to enhance national meth per month. In Sept., the Georgia average score for the nation’s 54
security and protect our society. CDTF facilitated the discovery of the counter drug programs is 89.
Local, state and federal officers gather at a rally point before moving on to their objective – a sparsely
wooded area being used by simulated drug dealers for a simulated drug deal. The group was among
the more than 20 officers from departments and agencies across Georgia who took part in the five-day
Woodland Training course put on by the Georgia Counterdrug Task Force and taught by Georgia
Army Guardsmen who make up the Task Force’s Ground Reconnaissance Teams.
35 | Georgia Department of Defense