Enhanced U.S. military activity and assistance for the Central American region 1983

National Security Decision Directive 100

THE WHITE HOUSE

The increasing threat to U.S. national interests in Central America requires that we strengthen our diplomatic and security efforts in the region. The consolidation of a Marxist-Leninist regime in Nicaragua, committed to the export of violence and totalitarianism, poses a significant risk to the stability of Central America. Our ability to support democratic states in the region, and those on the path to democracy, must be visibly demonstrated by our military forces. We must likewise enhance current efforts to provide a democratic alternative to the peoples of the region who are subjected to repression and totalitarianism. Adequate U.S. support must also be provided to the democratic resistance forces within Nicaragua in an effort to ensure that Nicaragua ceases to be a Soviet/Cuban base and that the government adheres to the principles that it agreed to in July 1979. (TS)

The democratic states of Central America must be assisted to the maximum degree possible in defending themselves against externally supported subversion or hostile neighbors. U.S. military activities in the region must be significantly increased to demonstrate our willingness to defend our allies and to deter further Cuban and Soviet Bloc intervention. (S)

To this end, the following measures are directed:

  • A program of expanded U.S. military activities and exercises both in the Caribbean Basin and on the Pacific coast of Central America will commence as soon as possible. Program details will be coordinated in the IG/SIG framework. (S)
  • Exercise AHAUSTARA II should begin on or about August 1, 1983. While the specific duration and scope of the exercise will be determined by the situation, plans should be made for the exercise to continue for four to six months. Program details developed by DOD will be coordinated in the IG/SIG framework. (TS)
  • Naval and carrier flight exercises will be conducted in the vicinity of Honduras, Grenada, Suriname, the Eastern Caribbean, and the Pacific side of Central America. Advanced fighter aircraft will not be introduced into or over the Central American mainland without proper interagency coordination. (TS/S)
  • In accordance with existing procedures, other military exercises will be developed, as appropriate, to induce Cuba to curb its support for the violent overthrow of, and military threats to, democratic governments. (TS/S)
  • The Defense Department will complete plans as soon as possible for the development of a U.S. naval and air facility in Honduras. These plans should be developed with existing resources. (S)
  • Logistic packages and enhancements for Honduran military facilities and infrastructure, including airfields, roadways, communications, and radars should be identified and provided. (S)
  • The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense will prepare a coordinated legislative, diplomatic, and public affairs strategy that supports these initiatives. A time-phased schedule should be an integral part of this package. Implementation of these initiatives will be timed to take into account public affairs and legislative factors. This implementation plan should be provided to the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs for Presidential review and approval by July 30, 1983. (S)
  • The Secretary of Defense will prepare separate interagency coordinated plans for providing assistance to the Director of Central Intelligence and contingency recommendations for interdiction and quarantine. These proposals will be submitted to the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs by July 30, 1983, for approval, as necessary, by the President. (TS/S)
  • The Secretary of Defense will review the military training requirements of El Salvador with a view to determining if the number of military trainers is adequate. If more are deemed necessary, the Departments of Defense and State will develop a credible and defensible rationale and a legislative strategy designed to increase the number to the appropriate level. This program will be reviewed by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and approved by the President prior to Congressional submission. This proposal should be provided by July 30, 1983. (S)
  • The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, will ensure that sufficient resources are available to carry out the provisions of this Directive. (C)

Signed: Ronald Reagan

TOP SECRET / SENSITIVE

Source:

Reagan Library

Link:

Internal Link:

https://surinamepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Enhanced-U.S.-military-activity-and-assistance-for-the-Central-American-region-1983-nsdd100.pdf

Date:
July 28, 1983
Categories:
Asymetric Warfare, Desi Bouterse, Foiled Coups & Plots, Mercenaries, Military & Intel, Planned Suriname Invasion, State Sponsored Terrorism, Suriname Interior War
Tags:
National Security Decision Directive 100
Boxes:
CIA
Years:
1983
Persons:
Ronald Reagan
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