WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army Reserve is assessing the availability of medical, engineering, military police and logistics units for a possible deployment to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) within the next 90 to 120 days, according to an internal Army message reviewed by CBS News. Multiple U.S. officials told CBS News that the assessment is connected to ongoing contingency planning focused on Cuba, although the Army document itself does not name Cuba.
The message asks subordinate commands to report on the availability of six types of formations, with September 25 set as the deadline for responses to Army Reserve headquarters. The formations include a combat sustainment support battalion for transportation, maintenance, fuel and supplies; an engineer battalion; and an expeditionary sustainment command for theater-wide logistics.
The request also includes a medical brigade, a forward resuscitative and surgical detachment for emergency surgery and trauma care, and a military police brigade responsible for capabilities such as security, detention and law-enforcement support.
The document does not specify the number of troops required, possible deployment locations or the operation the units would support. There is also no indication that any of the formations have received deployment orders. The assessment therefore represents contingency planning rather than an announced deployment.
SOUTHCOM declined to discuss specific operational movements or deployment timelines. The command said it continuously coordinates with the Joint Force to assess potential requirements across its area of responsibility.
Earlier Military Planning
The latest assessment follows earlier reports of U.S. military preparations involving Cuba. CBS News reported that U.S. forces conducted reconnaissance around Cuba’s seabed and maritime approaches. U.S. airpower components were also placed on heightened readiness and personnel were directed to pre-stage for a possible deployment, although those preparations were not carried out.
In July, CBS News reported that U.S. military planners had examined several possible scenarios involving Cuba, including an Army-led air assault involving thousands of U.S. soldiers. Such planning does not itself confirm that an operation has been ordered.
Rising U.S.-Cuba Tensions
The military planning comes as the Trump administration has increased political and economic pressure on Havana. On September 17, the State Department announced sanctions against 11 Cuban individuals and entities, including four state-run enterprises linked to Cuba’s nickel industry, military organizations involved in research, weapons systems and naval capabilities, and three military officials.
During his September 22 United Nations General Assembly speech, President Donald Trump described Cuba as an “absolutely failed state” and said his administration was seeking “fundamental change” and that “freedom will be coming to Cuba.” The Cuban delegation walked out during his remarks.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has said U.S. measures have severely affected fuel supplies and contributed to prolonged power outages. Havana has stated that there are currently no negotiations with Washington, while saying it remains willing to maintain contact.
The Army Reserve assessment adds to the broader U.S. military planning in the region, but the available document does not establish a deployment, identify a specific operation or confirm that military action against Cuba has been ordered.
Source : TOI
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