Op-Ed Rough Draft

International security and the deploying of army officials to simply help another country sounds dreadful. Sending our men for possible harm to protect others seems like the last thing our country wants to do. But what if the people are children who need help, from the mutilation and rapped killings around them? As few as 100 American men sent to Uganda are able to train soldiers to protect the tens of thousands of children being targeted in their country. International involvement by the United States can potentially save lives, of children as young as infants, with little to nothing in comparison to the money we have to offer. Whether our country is directly involved or not, we have a duty to keep others safe.

Invisible Children Incorporated is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization that campaigns through film seeking to draw attention to the atrocities performed by Joseph Kony in Uganda over the last 9 years. In this recent year, Invisible Children has a campaign by the name of “Kony 2012”, to have US involvement in the Uganda area to stop the horrific actions of this man. Joseph Kony has kidnapped children for years, forcing them to kill their parents, mutilate and kill other Ugandan children and follow every order given. This has been in an establishement of his own power, and the power of his troop, known as the LRA.

In October of 2011 Barack Obama agreed to send 100 United States Military Supervisors to Uganda to train the Ugandan army forces. These forces are on one sole mission, to capture and bring justice to Joseph Kony. With the power of only 100 men,  the united states has advised troops on battle tactics, disrupting insurgency networks by discovering where rebels are based and how they procure guns, money and other logistical support. The American troops have been advised to advise, not engage in combat, unless forced to defend themselves.

With the involvement of the United States in the last 5 months Uganda has established troops with special learned skills, and have a recognition of the man wanted for capture. American men are not going into battle, but rather teaching men of Ugandan decent to fight for what their country needs. With American involvement the people of Uganda have found a way to stand tall against a strong force, with little risk to our own men. With this being said, I feel as though American involvement in international security can be a prime source for a hope for peace. Uganda now recognizes the United States as a helping source and thus can return a favor if given a chance. International relations have helped us to create strong ties with a country who is noting but thankful, as well as showed that we are a force for others to use to their advantage if given the opportunity. By continuing this relationship with other countries, our allies will be numerous, as well as strong due to the skills we have provided for them.