U.S. Military Schools for Latin America: A Unique Plus for Uncle Sam

摘要

This essay discusses the missions, objectives and operations of three relatively unknown military schools, sponsored by the United States, which train members of Latin American armed forces in military skills. All instruction at these schools is presented in Spanish. The three schools are the Inter-American Defense College at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.; the U.S. Army School of the Americas at Fort Gulick, Canal Zone; and the U.S. Air Force School for Latin America at Albrook AFB, Canal Zone. Various similar and unique aspects of each school are examined, and problems are discussed. It is concluded that the schools make a highly effective contribution to the U.S. Military Assistance Training Program for Latin America, and play a significant role in projecting favorably the U.S. image to our southern neighbors and allies.