The Counterdrug Task Force bridges the gap between the Department of Defense and non-Department of Defense agencies to fight illicit drugs and transnational threats. Comprised of over 40 highly trained Georgia Guardsmen, the Task Force assists law enforcement with seizures and eradication efforts. In 2010, their efforts led to over $421 million in seizures and the eradication of 75,000 marijuana plants. They also conduct drug demand reduction programs that educate over 77,000 students annually. A 2011 performance evaluation scored the Georgia program at 98 out of 100, significantly higher than the national average of 89.

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