Panama Has no Army; Give it Military Cash, Anyway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX2CyIH_ebEPanama has no military forces, strictly speaking. So, why, you might ask, is the Pentagon insisting on giving the Central American country cash to train its "troops?"

Funny, Congress was wondering the exact same thing.

In an April 23 missive to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Inside the Pentagon reports, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike
Skelton and the panel’s ranking Republican, Rep. Duncan Hunter, said they wouldn't approve for the
Panama proposal.

“Congress explicitly provided this authority to train and/or equip the military forces of partner nations,” states the letter, which Inside the Pentagon reviewed. “We are told the purpose of this specific program is to provide support to the Panamanian National Maritime
Service. However, we note that Panama has no military forces, per that nation’s constitution, and therefore do not believe that this program meets the intent of the law.”

"In October 1994,' the CIA's World Factbook notes, "Panama's Legislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting the creation of a standing military force, but allowing the temporary establishment of special police units to counter acts of 'external aggression.'"

While you consider this conundrum, enjoy a little Van Halen. I know, I know. 1984 is no Diver Down. But this song, at least, still rocks.

(Shredding: DD)