President Trump is increasing pressure on Cuba while pursuing a more assertive U.S. role in the Western Hemisphere, including sanctions, diplomatic negotiations and military contingency planning. The Army Reserve is assessing whether support units could potentially be available to Southern Command within 90–120 days, but the document contains no deployment orders or indication that an operation has been approved.
WHAT WE KNOW:
The U.S. Army Reserve is examining whether it can provide Southern Command with police, medical and support units within 90–120 days.
An internal Army message reviewed by Reporters requested feedback on the potential availability of six types of formations.
The message directs subordinate commands to provide availability information to Army Reserve headquarters by September 25.
The document does not mention Cuba by name.
U.S. officials told reporters the planning is connected to continued military planning concerning Cuba.
The document contains no indication that any units have received deployment orders.
The message does not specify how many troops could ultimately be required.
It also does not identify where potential forces would be sent or what specific operation they would support.
Potential units include a combat sustainment support battalion responsible for logistics such as transportation, maintenance, fuel and supplies.
The Army Reserve is also seeking an engineer battalion and an expeditionary sustainment command.
A medical brigade and a forward resuscitative and surgical detachment are also listed as potential requirements.
The planning document also seeks a military police brigade whose forces can perform security, detention and law-enforcement missions.
Earlier this year, U.S. forces conducted reconnaissance operations around Cuba’s seafloor and maritime approaches, according to U.S. military personnel cited by CBS News.
The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Cuban entities and officials, including military research and development enterprises connected to Cuba’s nickel industry.
President Trump told the U.N. General Assembly that his administration was seeking a “fundamental change” in Cuba, while saying Secretary of State Marco Rubio was engaged in negotiations with Havana.
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