DOW Support to the Southern Border

Air Force Airman 1st Class Neal Tyagi inspects an unmanned aircraft system during joint training at Schriever Space Force Base, Colo., March 17, 2026. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians collaborated with the 50th Security Forces Squadron to strengthen coordinated detection, response and recovery capabilities against evolving drone threats.

A soldier assigned to the Texas National Guard's 640th Technology Integration Cell observes a small unmanned aircraft system in flight during border security operations in the Rio Grande Valley near the Texas-Mexico border, Feb. 6, 2026. The aerial vantage point allows drone teams to rapidly assess terrain and relay information to state and federal partners operating in the area.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joshua Huddeston welds a prefabricated bracket to the southern barrier during reinforcement operations in Yuma, Ariz., Feb. 26, 2026.

A soldier conducts a night patrol along the Rio Grande in Laredo, Texas, Feb. 2, 2026.

Soldiers conduct a night patrol along the Rio Grande in Laredo, Texas, Feb. 2, 2026.

Marines place ground concertina wire for barrier reinforcement in Yuma, Ariz., Feb. 23, 2026.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jose Torres  attaches barbed wire to prefabricated brackets for southern border barrier reinforcement operations in Yuma, Ariz., Feb. 26, 2026.

Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Joshua Huddeston and Jose Torres  weld on prefabricated brackets during southern border barrier reinforcement operations in Yuma, Ariz., Feb. 26, 2026.

Marines conduct southern border barrier reinforcement operations in Yuma, Ariz., Feb. 26, 2026.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryan Banales prepares to drive an infantry squad vehicle along the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego, Feb. 25, 2026.

Marines patrol the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego, Feb. 24, 2026.

Marines and soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border train together to enhance security for southern border barrier reinforcement operations in Yuma, Ariz., March 2, 2026.

Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Border Task Force installs the first border barrier panel at the National Defense Area 1 project site near Antelope Wells, N.M., March 3, 2026. The project consists of installation of up to six miles of new permanent border barrier with access gates, patrol roadways and access improvements.

Army Sgt. Mardoche Guerrier, a cavalry scout assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, scans for drones with the Dronebuster at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany, Feb. 19, 2026.

A YFQ-44A, part of the Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, undergoes a captive carry test at a California test location. This test phase uses inert munitions to methodically validate weapons integration, structural performance and safety, ensuring the platform can safely carry external stores.

Soldiers launch a drone during a counter-unmanned aircraft system live-fire exercise at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Feb. 17, 2026. The exercise was designed to strengthen soldiers' readiness to tackle complex challenges on today's dynamic battlefield.

Soldiers operate a drone during the U.S. Army Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Ala., Feb. 18, 2026. Active-duty, reserve and National Guard soldiers competed to be the top warfighter while showcasing their agility, adaptability and lethality for the evolving, modern battlefield. This year marked the Army's inaugural best drone competition.

Soldiers conduct a blood transport exercise during Spartan Focus at Fort Stewart, Ga., Feb. 14, 2026. During the exercise, soldiers tested emerging drone technologies to advance lifesaving capabilities on the battlefield.

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Randy DiChristina, an instructor assigned to the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry–East, operates a small unmanned aerial system during Exercise Wave Breaker at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 6, 2026.

Marines assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border walk along the southern border during a patrol in El Centro, Calif., Feb. 4, 2026.