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Army lasers blast drones, proving directed-energy weapons are future
August 31, 2026 — Service members assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border used the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser system to stop three hostile, unmanned aircraft systems deemed a threat. They were believed to be linked to drug cartels. ...

Hegseth: Department success buoyed by courage, spirit, leadership
August 3, 2026 — The War Department has had a lot of success in the past 19 months, in no small part due to the men and women of the U.S. military, but also because of presidential leadership, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said during a cabinet meeting at Camp David, Maryland...

Counter-UAS marketplace streamlines acquisition, first purchases total $13 Million
April 16, 2026 — Joint Interagency Task Force 401 announced the first set of purchases completed through its new counter-unmanned aircraft systems marketplace, four acquisitions collectively valued at $13 million...

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 Enhances Counter-UAS Capability to Protect the Southern Border
April 3, 2026 — Joint Interagency Task Force 401 is rapidly delivering counter-unmanned aircraft systems to protect the southern border with advanced technology, an integrated system architecture and expanded authorities...

War Department senior leaders prioritize Western Hemispheric security
March 19, 2026 — The War Department is prioritizing security in the Western Hemisphere, which is integral to U.S. homeland defense, said Joseph M. Humire, performing the duties of assistant secretary of war for homeland defense and Americas security affairs...

Air Force Secretary outlines priorities
February 25, 2026 — The Air Force's priorities are readiness, modernization, defending the homeland — including the entire hemisphere, border security, missile defense, nuclear deterrence and people, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said at the Air and Space Forces Association's 2026 Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colo...

Army enhances border security through partnership, unique capabilities
September 19, 2025 — From the headquarters down to squad-sized elements directly on the border, Joint Task Force Southern Border personnel are working alongside U.S. Border Patrol every day, ensuring synchronized efforts to deter illicit activities. ...

DOD civilians can volunteer for details to southern border
August 25, 2025 — Defense Department civilians can now apply for details of up to six months with the Department of Homeland Security to help support President Donald J. Trump's priority of securing the southern border. ...

Hegseth announces establishment of Mexican Border Defense Medal
August 25, 2025 — The Mexican Border Defense Medal was established to recognize service members deployed to the U.S. international border with Mexico for Defense Department support to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a memorandum...

DOD systems bolster border security operations
August 25, 2025 — Along the rugged terrain of the southern border, the Defense Department deploys optic systems to enhance detection and monitoring capabilities in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection...

Pentagon provides update on southern border, recruitment numbers
July 3, 2025 — Approximately 8,500 military personnel attached to Joint Task Force Southern Border continue to enhance U.S. Customs and Border Protection's ability to identify, track and disrupt threats to security at the southern border, the Defense Department announced...

Through SkillBridge, DOD provides boost to southern border mission
June 13, 2025 — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently signed a memorandum that enhances the Defense Department's SkillBridge program, giving service members the opportunity to conduct on-the-job training in the private and civil sectors so they can successfully transition. ...

Interagency land agreement strengthens military border mission
April 18, 2025 — The Army is expected to accept jurisdiction of land along the border between New Mexico and Mexico, which will become part of a national defense area — a specified piece of federal land over which DOD maintains administrative authority and jurisdiction...

DOD deploys destroyer to join border security mission
March 19, 2025 — The guided missile guided destroyer USS Gravely departed Naval Weapons Station Yorktown on a deployment to the U.S. Northern Command area of operations to assist with border security efforts...

Securing the southern border: two months of decisive action
March 14, 2025 — In the two months since President Donald J. Trump's inauguration Jan. 20, 2025, the administration has launched a multi-front campaign to secure the U.S.-Mexico border, targeting cartels, transnational criminal organizations and illegal immigration...

Defense Secretary says full control of southern border equals 'Mission Accomplishment'
February 3, 2025 — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that full control of the southern border is the goal of the current administration and all of the intergovernmental agencies working to enforce border security...

Defense secretary affirms commitment to border security, plan to house migrants at Guantanamo Bay 
January 30, 2025 — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed the Defense Department's commitment to working with other federal agencies to bolster security at the southern border...