The Defense Department spent roughly $1.35 billion for two separate border operations conducted by the National Guard, between June 2006 and July 2008, and June 2010 through Sept. 30, 2011, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said in a Sept. 12 report. In contrast, regular military assets supported civilian law enforcement in counterdrug operations since 1989 at a cost of about $10 million per year, according to the GAO. Of all Defense Department assets, aerial assistance by manned and unmanned aircraft have proven most beneficial, according to GAO.
