The U.S. military is assessing whether battlefield surgeons, military police, and combat engineers could be available for a potential operation involving Cuba within the next four months, according to a leaked internal Army message.
US Army Reserve headquarters sent the message to subordinate commands last week, asking whether six types of units could be transferred to US Southern Command.
Southern Command oversees American military operations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
The memo does not explicitly mention Cuba. However, multiple U.S. officials familiar with the planning said the request is aimed at the communist-controlled island, according to CBS News, which obtained the document.
The requested units could “possibly” be needed within 90 to 120 days, potentially placing their availability window around Christmas or early January. Army Reserve commands were instructed to respond by Friday, Sept. 25.
One of the requested units is a forward resuscitative and surgical detachment, a specialized medical team that performs emergency surgery and trauma care close to combat operations.
The memo also seeks a medical brigade capable of directing medical units in the field and a military police brigade that could conduct security, detention and law-enforcement operations.
An engineer battalion is also included, along with a combat sustainment support battalion responsible for transportation, fuel, maintenance and supplies.
The sixth requested formation is an expeditionary sustainment command, which manages logistical operations across an entire military theater.
There is no indication that any units have received orders to deploy. The memo does not identify how many troops could be involved, where they would be stationed or what specific operation they might support.
Southern Command declined to discuss possible troop movements or deployment timelines.
“Due to operational security concerns, we do not disclose details or comment on US operational movements or potential deployment timelines associated with current or future operations, contingencies, or planning,” a spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that Southern Command regularly coordinates with other military branches to assess possible requirements within its area of responsibility.
The internal request emerged days after President Donald Trump delivered a direct warning to Cuba’s communist government during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, per the Daily Mail.
Trump called Cuba a failed state and predicted that the government “will fall.”
“Communism will never be coming to America, but freedom will be coming to Cuba,” Trump said.
Members of Cuba’s delegation walked out of the assembly hall during the president’s remarks.
Trump also said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was deeply involved in negotiations with Havana.
The administration recently imposed additional sanctions on Cuban officials and entities, including military-linked companies connected to the island’s nickel industry.
Trump has repeatedly suggested that major changes are approaching in Cuba. During an Oval Office appearance in March, he said he expected to have “the honor of taking Cuba” in some form.
Later that month, Trump declared that Cuba would be “next” following the January US military operation that captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has accused Washington of aggression and economic warfare while promising that Cuba would defend itself against an American attack.
The Pentagon has already examined potential military options involving the island.
CBS News reported in July that planners considered an air assault involving thousands of soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division. Officials stressed that no final decision had been made.
The newly disclosed Army Reserve request similarly represents contingency planning rather than authorization for military action, but it offers the clearest timeline yet for when key support units could be available.
