The U.S. Army Reserve has initiated planning for the potential deployment of six specialized units to U.S. Southern Command within the next 90 to 120 days, according to an internal Army message reviewed by CBS News. The request, sent last week, asks subordinate commands to assess the availability of a forward resuscitative and surgical detachment, a combat sustainment support battalion, an engineer battalion, an expeditionary sustainment command, a medical brigade, and a military police brigade.
The memo does not specify a target location, operation, or number of troops. However, multiple U.S. officials, speaking to CBS News on condition of anonymity, stated the planning is directed at Cuba. The request directs commands to provide feedback to Army Reserve headquarters by September 25.
No deployment orders have been issued, and the document does not indicate how many personnel would be involved or where forces would be stationed. The units would fall under the authority of U.S. Southern Command, which oversees American military operations in Latin America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
The planning occurs amid heightened U.S. pressure on Cuba, including economic sanctions and calls for political reforms. U.S. officials cited ongoing negotiations between the Trump administration and Cuban authorities, though no further details were provided. The request for units does not reference any specific operation or contingency plan.
Background: U.S.-Cuba Relations
Tensions between the U.S. and Cuba have escalated in recent months. In January, U.S. special forces conducted an operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. President Donald Trump referenced Cuba during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, stating that the communist government 'will fall' and 'freedom will be coming.' Cuban officials walked out of the assembly during the remarks. Trump also claimed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was 'deep into negotiations' with Havana, though no further details were provided.
The requested units include specialized capabilities such as emergency trauma care, logistics coordination, and engineering support. The forward resuscitative and surgical detachment would provide critical medical care near potential conflict zones, while the military police brigade would handle security and law enforcement functions. The combat sustainment support battalion and expeditionary sustainment command would manage logistics, transportation, and supply chains in a theater of operations.
The memo’s timeline suggests a potential deployment window around the Christmas holiday, though officials emphasized that no decisions have been finalized. The request is part of broader contingency planning within U.S. Southern Command, which has not publicly commented on the development.