U.S. Army Reserve reviews possible deployment of support units for Southern Command amid Cuba planning

The U.S. Army Reserve is evaluating whether it can provide a range of support formations to the Southern Command within the next 90 to 120 days, an internal message obtained by CBS News shows. The memo asks subordinate commands to report on the availability of a combat sustainment support battalion, an engineer battalion, an expeditionary sustainment command, a medical brigade with a forward resuscitative and surgical detachment, and a military police brigade. Commands were instructed to submit feedback by Sept. 25.

While the document does not mention Cuba by name, officials familiar with the planning said the effort is part of continued military preparation focused on the island. No deployment orders have been issued, and the memo does not specify the size of any potential force or the exact locations where units might be sent.

A spokesperson for U.S. Southern Command declined to comment on operational details, citing security concerns, but said the command regularly coordinates with the Joint Force to assess potential requirements across its area of responsibility.

Earlier this year, U.S. forces conducted seafloor reconnaissance around Cuba and placed air components on heightened readiness, though those plans were not executed. Intelligence officials have been monitoring Cuba’s response to possible U.S. action, noting concerns about the island’s ties to Russia, China and Iran.

President Trump has repeatedly called for a more assertive U.S. role in the Western Hemisphere, and recent speeches at the United Nations have emphasized a desire for political change in Cuba. Cuban leaders have warned of retaliation and described U.S. measures as economic aggression.

The Army Reserve did not respond to requests for comment before publication.