US Army Reserve Assesses Whether Units Could Be Ready Within Months for Potential Cuba Operation
The U.S. Army Reserve is examining whether several types of military units could be ready to support U.S. Southern Command within 90 to 120 days as the Pentagon continues contingency planning involving Cuba.
An internal Army message sent to subordinate commands asks them to determine the availability of six types of formations that could potentially be placed under SOUTHCOM. Commanders were instructed to provide their assessments to Army Reserve headquarters by Sept. 25.
The units under consideration include a combat sustainment support battalion responsible for transportation, maintenance, fuel and supplies, along with an engineer battalion and an expeditionary sustainment command capable of overseeing larger logistical operations.
The Army Reserve is also assessing the availability of a medical brigade and a forward surgical unit capable of providing emergency surgery and trauma care near deployed forces. A military police brigade, which could handle security, detention and other law enforcement responsibilities, is also included.
The internal message does not specifically mention Cuba. However, multiple U.S. officials familiar with the planning said the request is connected to continuing military preparations involving the communist-controlled island.
There is currently no indication that any of the units have received deployment orders. The document also does not specify how many troops could ultimately be required, where they would be stationed or what type of operation they might be asked to support.
The latest preparations follow earlier Pentagon planning involving Cuba. Military officials have reportedly examined several possible contingencies this year, including an Army-led air assault that could involve thousands of soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division.
Those earlier discussions also did not mean that President Trump or Pentagon officials had authorized military action. Defense planners routinely develop options for potential crises so forces can respond if the president ultimately orders an operation.
The planning comes as the Trump administration increases economic and diplomatic pressure on Havana. During his address to the United Nations General Assembly this week, Trump called Cuba a “failed state” and said his administration was seeking fundamental changes on the island.
For now, the Army Reserve request represents a readiness assessment rather than an order to deploy troops. But the 90-to-120-day timeline provides a clearer indication of how quickly certain support forces could potentially be made available to SOUTHCOM if the administration decides additional military capabilities are needed.