CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Fort Campbell soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division departed to the southern border Saturday following an executive order from President Trump declaring a national emergency at the border.
The order signed last Monday mandated an increase in resources and a heightened military presence to manage border security.
According to a press release, soldiers with the 716th Military Police Battalion disembarked Jan. 25 “in support of U.S. Northern Command’s mission to protect the territorial integrity of the United States.”
Before leaving for the border, soldiers received the historic 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagle” patch.
We are trained and ready to support this important mission. Our Soldiers are committed to protecting all Americans and supporting our civilian partners in defending the territorial integrity of the United States. We’re also proud to mobilize for this mission wearing the Screaming Eagle patch, which has historical significance to the 716th.
Lt. Col. Phillip Mason, 716th Military Police Battalion commander
The soldiers expect to work closely with other military forces at the border, along with the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection.
