Training the trainers

By Dave Anderson:

Training the trainers is a high value activity for consultants and specialists.  Being able to impart knowledge and the structure to students to effectively redeliver and expand the knowledge sphere is a tough skill set.  It looks like the US policy of training paramilitary forces for counter-drug efforts have been successful at creating a skilled enough cadre of trained trainers who can replicate and expand the knowledge base.  The problem is one of blowback as at least some of the paramilitary forces are now training cartel and gang gunmen:

From Narco Guerra Times:

On Nov 25 Salvadoran federal police intelligence reported that no fewer than 40 gang members from several countries in Central America  were  recently trained at a Zetas training camp alongside Laguna  El Tigre  in Guatemala across the border from Tabasco. A dozen were members of Mara Salvatrucha  (MS 13) cliques from  several municipalities in El Salvador–a new wrinkle as most Maras working for the Zetas have been from southern Mexico and Guatemala....

This shouldn’t be much of a surprise considering the longterm alliance between rogue Kaibiles and the Zetas, one that dates back to the late 90s when they were being schooled together in advanced special operations skills at Ft Bragg, Ft Huachuca and Ft Benning. See June posting-Blowback from Bragg.

The skill sets are not the most advanced but basic infantry and light weapons skills would be a significant upgrade for street gangs and smugglers.  MS-13 has a widespread network of allied cliques throughout Central America and major American cities.  Training the trainers to train new trainers would allow for a significant upgrade in skill that is widely dispersed.