Hundreds of Department of Defense civilian employees have answered President Trump’s call to secure the U.S.-Mexico border.
Fox News reported that nearly 500 volunteers within 48 hours, eager to lend their skills to a mission deemed vital for national security. It’s a bold move, but can they really make a dent in the chaos? The Pentagon’s civilian workforce is stepping up to assist the Department of Homeland Security in a rare inter-agency effort.
These volunteers, drawn from roles like intelligence analysis and human resources, are deploying for up to 180 days to agencies such as Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This isn’t just shuffling papers—it’s a strategic play to strengthen border operations.
Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Michael A. Cogar called it a “national security problem” requiring critical skills. He’s not wrong—border issues have long festered under bureaucratic neglect. But sending desk jockeys to the front lines? That’s a gamble worth watching.
Volunteers applied through USAJOBS.com, with assignments ranging from data entry to linguistics. The swift response—500 sign-ups in two days—shows a workforce ready to tackle a contentious issue. Yet, progressives might scoff, claiming it’s just political theater.
Eligible DoD civilians, those with at least 90 days at their agency and in good standing, keep their pay and benefits, with overtime as a bonus.
Professional development and cross-agency experience sweeten the deal. Sounds like a win-win, unless you’re stuck on the “woke” idea that borders don’t matter.
“This mission is truly critical,” Cogar wrote in a DoD memo. He’s pitching it as a patriotic duty, but critics will argue it’s overreach. Still, when gang members and potential terrorists are in play, doing nothing isn’t an option.
A DoD spokesperson told Fox News Digital this reflects Trump’s “whole-of-government approach” to national security.
It’s a catchy phrase, but it’s really about agencies pooling resources to plug gaps. The left will cry militarization, but coordination isn’t the same as invasion.
Assignments, running through September 30, 2026, allow civilians to support DHS agents directly. “Any one person can have a force-multiplying effect,” Cogar noted, emphasizing technical support. It’s a smart pivot—freeing up agents to focus on enforcement, not paperwork.
Emails sent earlier this week notified DoD civilians of the opportunity, with DHS coordinating approvals for rapid deployment within 96 hours. The speed suggests urgency, but is it sustainable? Only time will tell if this is a sprint or a marathon.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s June directive also opened DHS roles for retiring service members via the DoD SkillBridge program.
SkillBridge offers real-world training in high-demand fields, giving troops a bridge to civilian life. It’s a practical move, though some might call it a publicity stunt.
The Pentagon’s new medal for troops involved in the border crackdown adds another layer. Rewarding service is fine, but medals for a domestic mission? That’s bound to spark debate among the chattering class.
Concertina wire now lines the border fence in Douglas, Arizona, a stark symbol of the mission’s intensity. It’s a visual the left will pounce on, claiming it’s inhumane. But security isn’t always pretty, and optics don’t stop threats.
“We’re proud that our civilians are already willing to sign up,” Cogar said. His enthusiasm is palpable, but the program’s success hinges on execution, not just intent. If it flops, expect the progressive pundits to gloat.
A DHS spokesperson echoed the “whole-of-government” mantra, focusing on removing “national security threats” like gang members. It’s a mission most Americans support, yet the woke crowd will likely frame it as xenophobic overreach. Facts over feelings, please.
