From RAND
As the United States has intervened in nations around the globe, it's grown increasingly clear that besides military forces, America needs something new -- a corps of special cops. Yes, soldiers, sailors and pilots can do great things when called upon by this country. But there comes a time when U.S. armed forces get awkward and less capable of keeping the calm and helping to build back the civil life in strife-torn societies. So why not create a unique bunch of well-trained law enforcement-type personnel and park them under the control of the U.S. Marshal's Service, ready and able to take on tough assignments in spots like Macedonia, post-Castro Cuba or the Ivory Coast? Maybe about 6,000 of 'em. They also could handle civilian duties in the U.S. when not called overseas. Their deployment and labor wouldn't be cheap -- but it could be cheaper and more effective than tying down combat troops for police work, researchers say.
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