Washington — The U.S. Army Reserve is examining whether it can provide the Army’s Southern Command with law enforcement, medical personnel and other support units within the next four months, according to an internal Army message reviewed by CBS News. Although the message does not reference Cuba, the request is to continue military planning aimed at Cuba, according to several US officials who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. There is no indication in the document that any units have received deployment orders. But the planning comes as the Trump administration places intense economic pressure on Cuba and urges the island nation to make political reforms. The message does not identify how many troops would be needed in the Southern Command region, which covers Central and South America, including the Caribbean. It also does not specify where forces could be sent or what operation they would support. The document reviewed by CBS News says the Army Reserve headquarters is seeking feedback from subordinate commands on the possible availability of six types of formations that would fall under the authority of U.S. Southern Command. The units “possibly [be] “required in 90-120 days,” according to the message, which directs commands to provide information to Army Reserve headquarters by Sept. 25. Among the units is a combat maintenance support battalion that specializes in coordinating logistics such as transportation, maintenance, fuel and supply needs, along with an engineer battalion. The document also seeks an expeditionary sustainment command that would oversee logistics in a theater of operations. Plus an advanced surgical and resuscitation detachment to provide emergency surgery and trauma care closer to U.S. forces. Finally, the document seeks a military police brigade; These units generally supervise military police forces responsible for security, detention, and other law enforcement missions. Contacted by CBS News, the Army Reserve did not respond prior to publication: “Due to operational security concerns, we do not disclose details or comment on U.S. operational movements or potential deployment schedules associated with current or future operational contingencies or planning. However, U.S. Southern Command continually coordinates with the Joint Force to evaluate a variety of potential requirements in its operations. [area of responsibility] In support of assigned missions.” Earlier this year, U.S. forces conducted reconnaissance operations on the seafloor and sea approaches surrounding the Cuban island, several U.S. military personnel told CBS News. Separately, U.S. airpower components were put on heightened readiness and directed personnel in advance of a possible deployment. However, those plans did not come to fruition. CBS News is withholding certain details from the release that could potentially put U.S. service members at risk. CBS News reported in May. That US intelligence officials were evaluating how Cuba would respond to possible US military action, as the Trump administration accused Havana of strengthening ties with Russia, China and Iran. The intelligence community’s annual threat assessment for 2026 largely portrays Cuba as an environment conducive to larger geopolitical competitors, rather than an independent strategic threat. In July, CBS News reported that US military planners had examined a variety of options for possible actions against the island, including a military-led air assault. that would involve thousands of U.S. troops and would be carried out by the 101st Airborne Division, the only unit trained for such. U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News stressed in July that the briefings were not an indication that the president or the Pentagon had decided to move forward with an operation. corollary of the Trump-era Monroe Doctrine focused on limiting foreign adversaries and other perceived threats in the region Since September, the US military has killed more than 230 people in 70 attacks in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. Legal experts have said the attacks amount to illegal extrajudicial killings because US forces are prohibited from intentionally targeting civilians or individuals suspected of criminal activity unless they meet the legal standard governing the use of military force. For Cuba, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Cuban entities and officials, including military research and development companies linked to the country’s nickel industry ahead of the UN General Assembly this week, Trump told the UN General Assembly that his administration was seeking “fundamental change” on the island and predicted that Cuba’s communist government would “fall” and declared that “freedom will come to Cuba.” “deeply in negotiations” with Havana and vowed that the United States would not allow foreign adversaries to establish a foothold “on our own doorstep” and “economic warfare” by blocking oil imports to Cuba Earlier this year, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he believed he would have “the honor of taking Cuba in some form, yes,” he said in mid-March. him, if you want to know the truth.” Later that month, Trump said bluntly: “Cuba will be next.” Eleanor Watson contributed to this report. More from CBS News Go deeper with The Free Press
