DOD Support to the Southern Border

Soldiers simulate an opposing force and return fire during a training exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., Aug. 25, 2025.

Army Green Berets hoist a simulated patient into a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter during exercise Sage Eagle, Aug. 25, 2025. The exercise was designed to validate Special Forces' ability to operate in uncertain environments while training and incorporating partner forces into an evolving contested environment.

Marine Corps Cpl. Austin Morgan launches an RQ-20 Puma during an unmanned aerial system tactical demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 26, 2025.

A Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron14, prepares to land onto the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln during Exercise Northern Edge, Aug. 22, 2025. The Indo-Pacific Command-led exercise provides high-end, realistic warfighter training that sharpens air and sea-based combat readiness.

Army Capt. Maria L. L. Salcido, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, and U.S. Border Patrol agents observe the implementation of Army Strykers along the Rio Grande river near Laredo, Texas, Aug. 15, 2025.

Marine Corps Pfc. Jorge Torralba, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, conducts a roadway improvement practical application on a Combat Service Support Area to prepare for future roadway improvement operations in Yuma, Ariz., Aug. 23, 2025.

Army Sgts. Adam Smith, left, and Collin Doman, both assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, conduct training on the capabilities of the Black Hornet Nano drone near Laredo, Texas, Aug. 15, 2025.

Sailors assigned to the USS St. Louis perform a sea and anchor detail as the ship transits beneath the Sunshine Skyway Bridge while preventing the flow of illegal drugs or other illicit activity in Tampa, Fla., Aug. 15, 2025.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Perezhernandez, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, ground guides a tractor, rubber tired, articulated steering multipurpose vehicle to add dirt to the road while preparing for future roadway improvement operations in Yuma, Ariz., Aug. 23, 2025.

Army Cpls. Andrew Parlatl and Angel Garcia load an M249 squad automatic weapon during Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Antuco, Chile, Aug. 26, 2025. The U.S.-Chilean exercise, which also includes participants from Argentina and Peru, strengthens interoperability, shared readiness and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere.

Marine Corps recruit Dontae McDermott holds a defensive position while conducting Basic Warrior Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 27, 2025. The weeklong training event teaches recruits the basics of combat survival and rifle maneuvers.

Marine Corps Cpl. Daniela Chicastorres retrieves a drone during the Training and Leadership Development Summit at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025. The summit was designed to enhance and build upon capabilities, employability, development and readiness of Marines.

A Special Warfare airman participates in a Tactical Air Control Party Apprentice Course to demonstrate coordinating nighttime close air support using classroom simulators at Chapman Training Annex, Joint Base San Antonio, Aug. 27, 2025. Tactical air control party airmen are the primary link between ground forces and air support assets.

Army Spc. Donny Rufino provides simulated security during a live-fire exercise as part of Ulchi Freedom Shield at the Cherokee Range in South Korea, Aug. 22, 2025. Ulchi Freedom Shield is an annual combined exercise that highlights the ironclad commitment between the U.S. and South Korea to maintain a robust combined defense posture and to defend the South Korean people from any threat.

Army Pfc. Jackson Muse fires an FIM-92 Stinger during Super Garuda Shield 25 in Baturaja, Indonesia, Aug. 26, 2025. The annual exercise between Indonesia and the U.S. strengthens bilateral interoperability, capabilities and cooperation.

Army Staff Sgt. Ernesto Navarez, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, shows retired Sgt. Maj. Eric Geressy, a senior adviser to the Defense Secretary, a long-range acoustic device employed at the southern border in El Paso, Texas, Aug. 21, 2025. The non-lethal communication and deterrent system enables soldiers to deliver clear voice commands and warning tones over long distances.

Army Lt. Col. Cris Gasperini, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, speaks to senior advisers to the Defense Secretary during a visit to the southern border in El Paso, Texas, Aug. 21, 2025.

Army Spc. Trevor Olsen, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, uses a night vision system to identify suspected illegal activity and sends up information to U.S. Border Patrol agents near Laredo, Texas, Aug. 15, 2025.

Army Sgt. Valory Walton, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, establishes an observation post to provide surveillance using a night vision system and relay information to her team near Laredo, Texas, Aug. 15, 2025.

Army Pfc. Daniel Flores, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, fires an M2A1 machine gun during a gunnery exercise at Doña Ana Training Complex, N.M., Aug. 21, 2025.