U.S. MAY DIVERT SPECIAL FORCES FROM DRUG WAR

High-Skill Soldiers May Fight Terrorism

Washington --- In reviewing the 179 Defense Department anti-drug programs
under his supervision, Andre Hollis traveled from the Pentagon to observe
some training in action.

In California, he watched as Special Forces troops showed U.S. Border
Patrol staffers how to tread water. Near the Texas-Mexico border, Hollis
saw Special Forces personnel teach Customs Service agents to ride horseback.

Hollis didn't doubt the importance of learning such skills. His question
focused on the instructors: "Do you need a Green Beret to do this?"

Freeing up some of the military's highly skilled forces for assignment in
the war on terrorism has become a major effort for Hollis since he became
deputy assistant secretary for counternarcotics in August 2001.

"One of my first tasks was to do a bottom-up review," he said.

Part of the military's $1 billion annual anti-drug effort, begun in 1988,
involves working with other agencies to detect air and marine drug shipments.

Hollis has been evaluating what should be kept, jettisoned or turned over
to others, an effort that took on greater importance after the Sept. 11
attacks.

Hollis anticipates significant changes. Some operations will die. Those
that benefit the war on terrorism could expand.

"So I can't say to you there are X number of programs we're going to cut
because what I'm looking at is, 'What is the benefit in terms of our
priorities?' " Hollis said.

He added that he would like the see the military "get out of the things
that either law enforcement should be doing or can do."

He has sent recommendations to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who will
make the final decisions.

The Pentagon programs also include testing and steps to reduce drug use
among military personnel.

Hollis said he would like to see a more uniform approach to policies and
penalties for drug offenders in the services. Currently, he said, those
sanctions can vary significantly.

"You shouldn't be treated differently based upon the color of your
uniform," Hollis said.