Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Sveen | U.S. Soldiers of the 759th Military Police Battalion provide overwatch over the...... read more read more
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El PASO, Texas – On the evening of Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a series of Executive Orders related to the Southern border. Among the series of Executive Orders was a national emergency declaration, which directed the Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, to mobilize various organizations to support the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) mission to secure and obtain operational control of the southern border.
With this shift in national security requirements, two units stationed at Fort Cavazos, Texas, the 89th Military Police Brigade and its subordinate battalion, the 720th Military Police Battalion, were activated on January 21, 2025, to support the mission on the southern border. The 89th Military Police Brigade is known as Task Force Griffin.
Both organizations were assigned to the Army Land Homeland Defense mission, a critical role that requires military units to be prepared for a wide range of operations including potential humanitarian aid missions, natural disaster relief efforts, or civil unrest situations.
Task Force Griffin trained for deployments by conducting Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercises, unit movement training, and Soldier Readiness Processing to ensure they were fully prepared to respond..
“I wanted to ensure our main priority was personnel readiness,” said Col. Jeremy Kerfoot, Task Force Griffin commander. “That is key to being postured for a homeland defense mission that could be activated for anywhere in the continental United States. Personnel readiness includes being ready to deploy 13 units from eight installations across the country on individual weapons qualifications, individual training readiness for Standing Rules for the Use of Force, and general escalation of force training which provided a general-purpose force to deploy on short notice.”
The southern border mission came to a force that needs to be ready to deploy within a very short amount of time.
That moment came on Jan. 21, 2025, when Kerfoot received the call that his units were activated. Hundreds of Soldiers, bags packed and mission ready, were prepared to deploy the next morning. Within hours they deployed to locations along the southern border to work together with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“Through monitoring personnel readiness numbers throughout our assumption of this Prepare to Deploy Orders, it provided us with a good indication of our readiness to deliver capability with time on target,” Kerfoot said. “So, we were not surprised that we could deliver capability shortly after being activated.”
The operational tempo as part of the southern border’s initial phase was very high and demanding once military forces entered the Joint Operations Area (JOA) for this mission.
Upon arrival to the JOA, every Task Force Griffin Soldier received a mission brief that highlighted their roles and responsibilities, operation policies, force protection and threats. They conducted on-the-job-training alongside CBP agents, familiarizing themselves with border enforcement operating procedures, and with minimal delay, Task Force Griffin transitioned into their assigned task: assuming detection and monitoring, administrative support, training and vehicle maintenance to support border security efforts.
“The military’s support to DHS and CBP is enabling law enforcement professionals to conduct more law enforcement and police intelligence activities to keep our nation secure," said Kerfoot. "The military’s assistance is providing additional assets to limited DHS and CBP resources to the areas of greatest need along the border. Likewise, the capability of manpower, technology, and logistical support of the military can assist in gaining operational control of the border."
As the Task Force Griffin Soldiers dedicate time away from their friends, families and daily lives to safeguard the territorial integrity of the U.S. southern border, Kerfoot expressed his gratitude for their commitment and the sacrifices made by both his Soldiers and their loved ones.
“To the Soldiers supporting the southern border mission, your dedication, courage, and sacrifices do not go unnoticed," said Kerfoot. "Every day, you stand at the forefront, ensuring the safety and security of our nation. Your commitment to protecting our borders is a vital service to our country, and your resilience in the face of challenges is inspiring. To the families, your strength and support make all the difference, and we are grateful for your unwavering sacrifice. Together, you're making a profound impact, and your efforts contribute to a safer, stronger future for all. Thank you for your service and for standing together in this mission.”
| Date Taken: | 02.27.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.04.2025 19:30 |
| Story ID: | 491930 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 263 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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