DOD Support to the Southern Border

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

Marines fire an M252 81 mm mortar system during Service Level Training Exercise 4-25 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 12, 2025. The exercise provides a challenging, realistic training environment that produces integrated, combat-ready forces.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. James Johnson simulates providing security on a beach landing site as a part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 in Queensland, Australia, July 14, 2025. The bilateral exercise reflects the close military relationship between Australia and the U.S.

A U.S. soldier prepares to participate in a personnel drop from a C-17 Globemaster in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 near Queensland, Australia, July 13, 2025. The bilateral exercise reflects the close military relationship between Australia and the U.S.

An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III departs from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, while providing airlift support for soldiers participating in Talisman Sabre 25, July 13, 2025. The U.S.-Australia exercise focuses on mid-intensity, high-end warfighting to ensure forces are combat-ready and capable, interoperable and deployable on short notice.

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

Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Jeremiah Fish, left, and Lance Cpl. Lucio Gonzalez practice welding techniques during training at the southern border barrier near Campo, Calif., July 4, 2025.

Marine Corps Cpl. Fernando Sanchez, right, trains Lance Cpl. Carmel Gonzales on the operation of a mobile elevated work platform at the southern border barrier near Campo, Calif., July 4, 2025.

Army Sgt. Elian Cantos shoots blank rounds during combat training at Fort Bragg, N.C., July 10, 2025.

Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force conduct the first midrange capability live-fire exercise outside of the continental U.S., successfully sinking a maritime target with a Standard Missile-6 Force during Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 in Australia's Northern Territory, July 16, 2025. Talisman Sabre is a bilateral exercise that reflects the close military relationship between Australia and the U.S.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Avery English fires an M9 pistol during training on the flight deck of the USS Iwo Jima in the Atlantic Ocean, July 11, 2025. The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are participating in a Composite Training Unit Exercise, which tests the amphibious ready group's ability to deliver combat power wherever required.

Army Spc. Ryan McCluskey, a combat engineer assigned to the 382nd Engineer Company, attaches detonation cords to create a dual-initiated demolition system during the company's annual Sapper Stakes competition at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., July 11, 2025. The multiday event is designed to enhance combat engineering skills, build teamwork and promote leadership.

An Air Force cadet trainee from the class of 2029 participates in an assault course during the second phase of basic training at the Jacks Valley complex of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 15, 2025. The second training phase is designed to push cadets to their physical limits to build self-confidence, teamwork and tactical skills.

Soldiers monitor the southern border from a Stryker armored vehicle, followed by a Border Patrol truck, near Nogales, Ariz., July 8, 2025.

Marines assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border unload cargo using a rough-terrain forklift at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., July 9, 2025.

Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border use boom lifts to install concertina wire along the barrier near El Paso, Texas, July 3, 2025.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Odie Jeremiah fires an M32 grenade launcher during training at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 10, 2025.

Army Spc. Jaden T. Hughes tosses a training hand grenade as part of the eight-lane Army Warrior Task during the 2025 National Best Warrior Competition at H. Steven Blum Military Reservation, Md., July 14, 2025.

Air Force Senior Airman Naomi Borrero carries Coza, a military working dog, after a simulated firefight during a multiagency exercise at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., July 10, 2025. K-9 handlers are trained to provide tactical combat casualty care to their dogs in high-threat environments.

Soldiers assigned to the California National Guard are briefed prior to a mission to help protect federal personnel and property in the greater Los Angeles area, July 10, 2025.