DOW Support to the Southern Border

A soldier assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, uses his M4 carbine weapon-mounted optics during a situational training exercise at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, Jan. 18, 2026. The exercise tested soldiers' ability to react in a tactical environment.

Soldiers assigned to Able Company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, conduct close-quarters battle training during Multinational Airborne Exercise 2026 at Oujojibara Training Area, Japan, Jan. 18, 2026.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratroopers ride in a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook during Northern Trilogy 2026 at Oujojibara Training Area, Japan, Jan. 16, 2026. This exercise was the first multinational airborne exercise held in Japan and consisted of multiple airborne operations and simulated combat maneuvers, bringing together multiple nations to enhance and strengthen bilateral capabilities.

Soldiers assigned to the Florida National Guard conduct presence patrols in Washington, Jan. 16, 2026, in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission.

An Army soldier assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, releases a drone during Operation Winter Falcon 26 at the Drawsko Combat Training Center in Oleszno, Poland, Jan. 13, 2026. The drone operation demonstrated the effectiveness of unmanned aerial systems for future joint defensive operations in Poland.

Army Col. Matthew Kelley, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team commander, and Polish Maj. Gen. Maciej Jablonski, U.S. Army V Corps deputy commanding general of interoperability, examine a counter-small unmanned aerial system during Operation Winter Falcon 26 at the Drawsko Combat Training Center in Oleszno, Poland, Jan. 13, 2026. They examined how the system uses radio waves to disable drones.

Firefighters at Commander, Navy Region Japan conduct a confined space rescue drill inside fuel tank 12 at Akasaki Fuel Depot in Sasebo, Japan, Jan. 14, 2026. The drill ensures adequate extended response and integration of fire and emergency services to effectively engage a rescue plan in a confined space.

Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border prepare to patrol the Rio Grande aboard an M30 bridge erection boat in McAllen, Texas, Jan. 9, 2026.

Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border load an M30 bridge erection boat in McAllen, Texas, Jan. 9, 2026. The boat is well-suited for areas along the Rio Grande, where terrain limits ground mobility. Joint Task Force Southern Border is supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection to achieve 100% operational control of the southern border.

Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Aguilar, a soldier assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, prepares 25mm ammunition prior to executing gunnery Table V during an M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle exercise at General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area, Pabradė, Lithuania, Jan. 12, 2026.

A soldier assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border put triple strand concertina wire onto mountainous terrain along the border near El Centro, Calif., Dec. 26, 2025.

Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border put triple strand concertina wire onto mountainous terrain along the border near El Centro, Calif., Dec. 26, 2025.

Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border put triple strand concertina wire onto mountainous terrain along the border near El Centro, Calif., Dec. 26, 2025.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members, working with U.S. soldiers, simulate enemy engagement during a demonstration of capabilities during the opening ceremony for the 2026 New Year's Jump at Camp Narashino, Japan, Jan. 11, 2026. The New Year's Jump is an annual exercise that aims to bring good luck to paratroopers in the new year and strengthen the bonds between allied nations as they reaffirm their shared goal of safeguarding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Following the event, the U.S. Army's 11th Airborne Division and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force participated in multinational exercises in northern Japan.

National Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force District of Columbia line the streets alongside civilian first responder partners during an honor escort as part of a dignified transfer in Washington, Jan. 8, 2026. The transfer honored Terry Bennett, a member of the Metropolitan Police Department, who was struck by a vehicle while assisting a motorist on an interstate.

Army Pfc. Juan-Carlos Morales assesses a simulated casualty during a partnered medical training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 6, 2026. The training enables medics to share best practices and gain valuable insights to prepare for the Army Best Medic Competition.

A soldier assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border interacts with a member of U.S. Customs and Border Protection during a joint patrol in El Centro, Calif., Dec. 31, 2025.

A Marine assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border puts a post for a National Defense Area sign into the ground in El Centro, Calif., Dec. 26, 2025. This marks the fifth such area established along the southern border.

Coast Guardsmen conduct unmanned aircraft systems training aboard the Cutter Robert Ward off the coast of San Pedro, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025. The training expands the crew's operational reach and sharpens response capabilities while saving time and resources.

Army Pfc. Rico Rivero, right, participates in a school roof repair project in Salamanca, Panama, Dec. 12, 2025. U.S. Southern Command is focused on increasing partner nation capacity and interoperability in the region and reflects the United States' enduring promise of friendship, partnership and solidarity with the Panamanian people.