Security forces from the US Pacific Command left this week after visiting Rolpa and Gorkha to assess military needs. Five earlier missions looked into development. The teams will now put together a support package ($20 million each for security and development) prior to endorsement by the US Congress. The RNA's shopping list includes assault rifles, armoured Mi-17 helicopters, fixed wing STOL transport, communication equipment, and night vision aids. Development support will be channelled through USAID and used to rehabilitate hospitals and damaged infrastructure, and launch a "massive" job campaign in insurgency areas. The US Foreign Military Support Programme delivers hardware directly and does not hand out cash. Sources in New Delhi tell us the US money will be handled by India to buy the helicopters from a former Soviet state for delivery to Nepal. A State Department source, however, ruled out this possibility.