US Army Reserve weighs units for Cuba planning

The Army Reserve is examining whether it can provide US Southern Command with military police, medical personnel and other support units within the next four months, according to an internal Army message.

The document makes no mention of Cuba, but multiple US officials say the request is part of continued military planning aimed at the island. No units have received deployment orders. Army Reserve headquarters asked subordinate commands to report by Sept. 25 on six formations possibly needed within 90 to 120 days, including a military police brigade, which typically handles security and detention, a medical brigade, a forward surgical detachment for trauma care, and a command to run logistics across a theater of operations.

Southern Command declined to discuss potential deployments, citing operational security, but said it continuously assesses a range of requirements across its region.

The planning builds on months of preparation. Earlier this year, US forces conducted reconnaissance of the seafloor and maritime approaches around Cuba, and air units were placed on heightened readiness before those plans were shelved. In July, planners reviewed options including an air assault by thousands of 101st Airborne soldiers, though officials stressed no decision had been made.

Trump told the UN General Assembly this week that he seeks "fundamental change" in Cuba and predicted its communist government "will fall," prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out. He said Secretary of State Marco Rubio is "deep into negotiations" with Havana. In March, he said he expected to have "the honor of taking Cuba," adding later that month that "Cuba's going to be next."

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has vowed to resist any attack and accused Washington of economic warfare for blocking oil imports. The administration imposed new sanctions this week on Cuban entities tied to the island's nickel industry.