However, multiple U.S. officials familiar with the planning told CBS News that the preparations are connected to ongoing contingency planning involving the communist-controlled island.
That distinction is important: no deployment has been ordered, and the document does not establish that President Donald Trump has approved military action against Cuba.
But the types of forces being examined — and the timeline involved — are attracting attention as Washington dramatically increases pressure on Havana.
Army Wants Units Potentially Ready Within 90 to 120 Days
According to CBS News, Army Reserve headquarters asked subordinate commands about the availability of six different types of military formations.
The units would “possibly [be] needed in 90-120 days,” the message states.
That could put potential availability around the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027.
The request reportedly includes a military police brigade, an engineer battalion and major logistics units capable of supporting operations across a large theater.
It also includes significant medical capabilities.
One requested formation is a forward resuscitative and surgical detachment, designed to provide emergency trauma treatment and surgery close to deployed American forces.
A medical brigade capable of coordinating other medical formations was also included.
Meanwhile, logistics personnel would potentially handle transportation, maintenance, fuel and supplies — the less visible infrastructure required to sustain forces operating away from their permanent bases.
Still, the document contains no troop total, operational destination or specific mission.
There is also no indication that any of the units have actually received orders to deploy.
Southern Command Won’t Discuss Possible Deployment Plans
U.S. Southern Command, responsible for American military activities across much of Latin America and the Caribbean, declined to reveal operational details.
A spokesperson said:
“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.
“However, US Southern Command continuously coordinates with the Joint Force to assess a range of potential requirements across its [area of responsibility] in support of assigned missions.”
That statement leaves considerable uncertainty surrounding what ultimately happens next.
Military commands routinely develop contingency plans that are never executed, and an availability inquiry is not the same thing as an order to send American troops into combat.
But this particular request comes amid a much broader escalation in the Trump administration’s posture toward Cuba.
Trump Tells the United Nations Cuba’s Communist Government “Will Fall”
Just days before news of the Army message emerged, Trump used one of the world’s biggest diplomatic stages to put Havana on notice.
Speaking before the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, Trump declared that his administration wants a “fundamental change” in Cuba.
He described the communist government as an “absolutely failed State” facing extraordinary pressure.
Trump then made his prediction unmistakable.
“It’s failing like never before, and it will fall,” Trump said.
The president followed with another declaration:
“Communism will never be coming to America, but freedom will be coming to Cuba.”
Cuba’s delegation walked out during Trump’s remarks.
Trump also said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was “deep into negotiations” with Cuba as his administration attempts to reshape America’s relationship with the island.
Trump Has Been Signaling a Harder Cuba Policy for Months
The latest military planning did not appear in a vacuum.
CBS News previously reported that U.S. officials had examined other potential military options involving Cuba, while stressing that such planning did not mean Trump or the Pentagon had decided to launch an operation.
The administration has simultaneously increased economic pressure on Havana, including sanctions targeting Cuban officials and entities.
Trump has also spoken unusually openly about what he believes could happen to the island.
Earlier this year, he told reporters:
“Taking Cuba in some form, yeah.”
He continued:
“Taking Cuba. I mean, whether I free it, take it — I think I could do anything I want with it, if you want to know the truth.”
Later that month, Trump offered another blunt prediction:
“Cuba’s going to be next.”
Now the rhetoric is being accompanied by another round of military contingency preparations.
For the moment, the evidence shows planning — not an invasion order.
But an Army Reserve request examining whether medical, police, engineering and logistics formations can be available within 90 to 120 days gives the Cuba confrontation a new dimension.
With Trump publicly predicting the collapse of Cuba’s communist government and Washington keeping military options under consideration, all eyes will now be on what happens as that readiness window approaches.
