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While I certainly cannot claim to be a "Latin American specialist" like Mark Falcoff, I have lived in Latin American countries for 22 years... 3 of those years in Caracas from '93 to '96. Therefore I don't quite understand Falcoff's comment that the majority of the armed forces (officers) are "institutionalists" and will only support a constitutional outcome; whence did Chavez obtain his fellow coupsters when he led the coup in '91 and '92? Regarding the "historical" ties to the Pentagon, in my opinion this is more of "parasitical" tie. I personally know a Venezuelan Navy Officer who was fortunate enough to gain his commission through the U.S. Naval Academy; he absolutely loathes the U.S. and would be among the first join a communist-type coup. My impression of Venezuelans, especially the military, is that they'll follow whomever they consider a "strong man"; whatever allegiance they may have towards their nation's constitution or "institutions" is skin-deep. Just my two cent opinion.