Factors Contributing to the Infiltration of the “Comandos de la Frontera” Group into the Ecuadorian Army: Implications for National Security and Institutional Trust

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze the factors that facilitate the penetration of the irregular armed group “Comandos de la Frontera” into the ranks of the Ecuadorian Army, as well as the implications for national security and institutional trust. To achieve this, the study was developed based on a qualitative approach and a descriptive scope that allowed us to address the dimensions of the problem in the context of the advance of organized crime in the country and institutional permeability, in this case, of the Ecuadorian Army. The information gathering technique used was the semi-structured interview, applied to security experts and Ecuadorian Army officers with the rank of commanders and deputy commanders of military intelligence units. Based on the analysis, the findings suggest that among the main factors that allow infiltration are the weakening of internal control systems, corruption, and economic and technological limitations, among others. It is also evident that the advance of criminal organizations in the Ecuadorian Armed Forces impacts institutional operational effectiveness and weakens confidence in the state as a guarantor of security.