Soldiers from Fort Campbell with the 101st Airborne Division have been deployed to the U.S. southern border, following an executive order by President Trump, which points to a national emergency, necessitating an increase in military resources to handle border security. The troops from the 716th Military Police Battalion set out on Saturday, said a statement by Fort Campbell that was covered by WKRN. Their mission is to directly support the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection, ensuring the territorial integrity of the United States, as per a news release obtained by ClarksvilleNow.
Before leaving, soldiers engaged in a patching ceremony, to align formally with the 101st Airborne Division by wearing the "Screaming Eagle" patch — a symbol "which has historical significance to the 716th," explained Lt. Col. Phillip Mason, commander of the 716th Military Police Battalion. Mason informed WSMV, "Our Soldiers are committed to protecting all Americans and supporting our civilian partners in defending the territorial integrity of the United States." The presence of these experienced soldiers aims to quickly reinforce the existing military forces already stationed along the border.
The recent deployment comes on the back of a declaration made by President Trump the previous Monday, which highlighted the ongoing and heightened concerns over border security. This move has been perceived as a step to enforce stronger measures to prevent illegal crossings and activities that potentially undermine U.S. sovereignty. The 716th Military Police Battalion is expected to play a critical role in this ramped-up security effort.
The battalion's mission is also to integrate seamlessly with other military units at the border, a collaboration they hope to fully establish in the coming period. "We are trained and ready to support this important mission," Lt. Col. Mason told ClarksvilleNow in a statement. As these Fort Campbell soldiers take up positions along the southern frontier, they carry with them a deep-seated tradition, embedded in the iconic "Screaming Eagle" patch to ultimately maintain the security of the nation's borders.
