DOD Support to the Southern Border

Army Spc. Jayden Holden and Cpl. Shyann Miller reinforce the southern border's barrier with concertina wire near El Paso, Texas, July 17, 2025.

A Salvadoran soldier shoots an M4 carbine rifle alongside U.S. soldiers during a drill as part of The Adjutant General's 2025 Rifle Marksmanship Competition at Fort Devens, Mass., July 19, 2025.

Four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the Florida Army National Guard prepare to land on the desert flight line at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., July 17th, 2025. Soldiers and flight crews participated in combined arms exercises designed to simulate large-scale combat operations.

Alaska Army National Guardsmen pilot a Black Hawk helicopter as part of hoist training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 16, 2025. The training with industry experts replicates real-world rescue scenarios, requiring the full use of specialized equipment for hoist operators and crew members to conduct a simulated mission.

Navy Seaman Junias Bewa looks out aboard the USS Cole as the ship departs Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, July 19, 2025. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is a partner to Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces, leading to improved unity, security and stability.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sebastian Desmarais trains Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark Thompson on how to inspect a .50-caliber machine gun aboard the USS Cole at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, July 16, 2025.

Army Spc. Antonio Barragan, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, checks concertina wire for tampering near El Paso, Texas, July 17, 2025.

Soldiers assigned to the West Virginia National Guard conduct swift-water rescue training and certification at Camp Dawson, W.Va., July 17, 2025. Pilots and aircrew practiced precision flying and retrieving people using lift hoist baskets.

Army Sgt. Michael Fouts, left, counts repetitions for Sgt. Luke Cloward during the 2025 National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation, Md., July 14, 2025. During the annual event, competitors face physical and mental challenges that test their military expertise, resilience and dedication for an opportunity to advance to the Best Squad Competition.

Coast Guardsmen assigned to the Reliance conduct operations in the Gulf of America, July 15, 2025. The crew completed a 60-day maritime border security patrol to deter illegal immigration, fishing and smuggling in the region.

Army Pvt. Raymond Banasijan operates a Black Hornet 4 PRS G3, preparing to operationally employ newly fielded equipment on the southern border at Fort Bliss, Texas, July 10, 2025. Joint Task Force Southern Border executes full-scale, agile and all-domain operations in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to protect the territorial integrity of the United States and achieve full operational control of the southern border.

Army Pfc. Juan Conejo learns about a Black Hornet 4 PRS G3 drone for border monitoring at Fort Bliss, Texas, July 9, 2025.

Army Col. Lillian Woodington speaks with Ronald Johnson, U.S. ambassador to Mexico, about ongoing operations along the southern border in San Diego, July 14, 2025. Joint Task Force Southern Border supports U.S. Customs and Border Protection to protect the territorial integrity of the U.S.

Army Sgt. Sarah Hanson fires at a target from 100 yards away during the 2025 New Hampshire National Guard Combat Marksmanship TAG Match in Fort Devens, Mass., July 16, 2025.

Sailors aboard the USS Sampson prepare for a mission in the Pacific Ocean, July 10, 2025. U.S. Northern Command is working with the Department of Homeland Security to provide additional military forces and capabilities at the southern border. Faces of personnel have been blurred for security reasons.

Marines assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border set up a tent to establish an operations center in Yuma, Ariz., July 7, 2025.

Marines assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 15, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, set up a tent to establish an operations center in Yuma, Ariz., July 7, 2025.

Army Spc. Canyon Blassingame fires an M500 shotgun during the 2025 National Guard Best Warrior Competition at Blum Military Reservation, Md., July 14, 2025. The annual event tests participants' military expertise, resilience and dedication to the warrior ethos for the opportunity to advance to the Best Squad Competition.

Soldiers detonate linear charges during training at McCrady Training Center in Eastover, S.C., July 14, 2025.

Sailors handle a mooring line aboard the USS Cole at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, July 11, 2025.