DOW Support to the Southern Border

Soldiers assigned to the 4th Infantry Division and other tenant units conduct "battle buddy carries" during a physical training event for newly assigned personnel on Fort Carson, Colo., Sept. 9, 2026. The exercise tested teamwork, endurance and the ability to move effectively under physical stress.

Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), ruck with their team to the finish of the first event during the company's inaugural monthly belt competition at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Sept. 3, 2026. The competition challenges soldiers through a series of events designed to build teamwork, physical readiness and esprit de corps.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division participate in a run during Cav Week 105 at Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 31, 2026. The event recognizes the division's 105 years of service, traditions and legacy.

Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border supporting Operation Ardent Vanguard attach a sling load to the hook below a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss, Texas, Aug. 26, 2026. Service members assigned to the task force provide unique military capabilities to protect the territorial integrity of the U.S. southern border.

Marines race up a ramp during a noncommissioned officer physical training event aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Aug. 28, 2026.

Army Sgt. Benjamin Cordova and Spc. Daniel Gutierrez, both assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border supporting Operation Ardent Vanguard, operate a C100X monitoring drone during low-light conditions near Eagle Pass, Texas, Aug. 20, 2026. The aerial monitoring supports efforts to detect, monitor and deter unlawful crossings into the United States.

A soldier assigned to the 25th Infantry Division performs kettlebell carries during the sprint-drag-carry event of the Army Fitness Test at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Aug. 25, 2026.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Benjamin Gonzales, a motor vehicle operator assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border in support of Operation Ardent Vanguard, helps install concertina wire on a secondary expeditionary barrier in Nogales, Ariz., Aug. 19, 2026.

Army Capt. Isaiah Otunuya participates in the Best Observer Coach/Trainer competition at McGregor Range Complex, N.M., Aug. 23, 2026. The competition identifies the exemplary leaders and master trainers who help build the world's most dominant and combat-credible land force.

Army Spc. Cole Wallin prepares to punch Spc. Mason Maralit during the "Phantom Fury" combatives event at Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 21, 2026.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Jamari Broussard performs a hand-release burpee during a 12-minute circuit as part of the Guardian Arena Qualifiers at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Aug. 18, 2026. The qualifiers tested participants' endurance, adaptability and ability to perform under pressure.

Army Spc. Domenic Hruby, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, reinforces a barrier by welding "crow's feet" rods to its upper edge at a national defense area near Santa Teresa, N.M., Aug. 12, 2026. U.S. Northern Command is working with the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide unique military capabilities to protect the territorial integrity of the U.S. southern border.

Sailors check for foreign objects on the flight deck of the littoral combat ship USS Cooperstown as the ship transits the Gulf of America, July 4, 2026. The ship was supporting efforts to protect the territorial integrity of the U.S. southern border.

Soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border place concertina wire on top of barriers at National Defense Area 2 near Fort Hancock, Texas, Aug. 6, 2026. The barrier reinforcement operation enhances detection and observation capabilities along the U.S. southern border.

A soldier assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard," participates in a strongman competition during Legacy Week at Fort Myer, Va., Aug. 7, 2026. Legacy Week recognizes the regiment's history while fostering physical readiness, teamwork and esprit de corps.

A member of the Coast Guard Women's Rugby Team carries the ball up field while being chased by members of the Navy Women's Rugby Team during a match in Annapolis, Md., Aug. 2, 2026.

Marines assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border reinforce concertina wire along the southern barrier in Naco, Ariz., July 31, 2026. Barrier reinforcement operations ensure sustained protection and observation capabilities along the U.S. southern border.

Soldiers assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as "The Old Guard," compete in tug-of-war during a physical training competition as part of Legacy Week at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Aug. 4, 2026. The event commemorates the activation of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment while promoting physical readiness, teamwork and esprit de corps.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tania Guerrero, left, and Cpl. MaKenna Hearne participate in a grappling match during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program culminating event at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 26, 2026. The event was designed to develop Marines mentally and physically while fostering camaraderie through friendly competition.

Army Sgt. Justin Masterson, left, and Spc. Vladimir Alves, assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border, retrieve a Skydio X10D small unmanned aircraft system after an aerial observation in Rio Grande Valley, Texas, July 23, 2026. The unmanned system helps detect illegal crossings and enhances aerial monitoring capabilities to protect the territorial integrity of the U.S. southern border.