WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- The Army Reserve is examining possible police, medical, engineering and logistics support for Southern Command within the next four months.
- Officials said the request supports continued planning focused on Cuba, although no units have received deployment orders.
- President Trump said he does not believe military action will be necessary and predicted the United States and Cuba will reach a deal.
- Earlier planning included reconnaissance, heightened airpower readiness and an examined Army assault option involving thousands of 101st Airborne Division soldiers.
The U.S. Army Reserve is examining whether it could provide U.S. Southern Command with military police, medical personnel and other support units within the next four months, according to an internal Army message reviewed by CBS News.
The message does not mention Cuba. However, multiple U.S. officials told CBS News that the request is part of continued military planning focused on Cuba, speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
Nothing in the document indicates that units have received deployment orders. The planning nevertheless comes as the Trump administration applies intense economic pressure on Cuba and pushes the island nation to enact political reforms.
The message does not identify how many troops Southern Command might need, where they could be sent or what operation they might support. Southern Command’s region includes Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Gold. Upgraded. Buy real gold from $1. Store it in America. Sell it with one click.
Army Reserve headquarters is seeking feedback from subordinate commands about the possible availability of six types of formations that would operate under Southern Command. The units would “possibly [be] needed in 90-120 days,” and commands were directed to provide feedback by Sept. 25.
The requested formations include a combat sustainment support battalion responsible for coordinating transportation, maintenance, fuel and supply requirements. The document also identifies an engineer battalion and an expeditionary sustainment command that would oversee logistics across a theater of operations.
Image Credit: DoW
Medical capabilities listed in the document include a medical brigade to command and coordinate medical units. It also seeks a forward resuscitative and surgical detachment capable of providing emergency surgery and trauma care closer to U.S. forces.
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
A military police brigade is also included in the request. Such units typically oversee military police forces conducting security, detention and other law enforcement missions.
The Army Reserve did not respond to CBS News before publication. A Southern Command spokesperson cited operational security concerns when asked about the planning.
“Due to operational security concerns, we do not disclose details or comment on U.S. operational movements or potential deployment timelines associated with current or future operations, contingencies, or planning. However, U.S. Southern Command continuously coordinates with the Joint Force to assess a range of potential requirements across its [area of responsibility] in support of assigned missions.”
Image Credit: DoW
President Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday that he did not believe military action would be necessary. He said “Cuba and us will make a deal.”
“Cuba is failing very badly. We want to help Cuba. We want to open Cuba up to our people,” Trump said. “We have great Cuban Americans who want to go back. We want to open Cuba up to our people.”
Earlier this year, American forces conducted reconnaissance operations on the seafloor and maritime approaches around Cuba, according to multiple U.S. military personnel. U.S. airpower components were separately placed on heightened readiness and told to prepare personnel for a potential deployment, but those plans did not materialize.
Image Credit: DoW
CBS News reported in May that U.S. intelligence officials were assessing how Cuba might respond to possible American military action. The assessment came as the Trump administration accused Havana of strengthening ties with Russia, China and Iran.
In July, American military planners examined options that included an Army air assault involving thousands of soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division. U.S. officials stressed that those briefings did not mean Trump or the Pentagon had decided to proceed with an operation.
The administration has also increased pressure through sanctions on Cuban entities and officials, including military research and development enterprises tied to the nickel industry. At the U.N. General Assembly, Trump called for a “fundamental change” in Cuba, predicted its communist government “will fall” and declared that “freedom will be coming to Cuba.”
Image Credit: DoW
Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was “deep into negotiations” with Havana and vowed that foreign adversaries would not gain a stronger foothold “on our own doorstep.” Cuban President Miguel DĂaz-Canel has vowed to counter any U.S. attack and accused Washington of “aggression” and “economic warfare” over blocked oil imports.
Trump’s public language has grown increasingly direct. In mid March, he said, “Taking Cuba in some form, yeah,” and later that month declared, “Cuba’s going to be next.”
Gold is the oldest answer. SoundMoney makes owning it as easy as the apps you already use.
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
Read the full article here
