A smattering of troops from Fort Stewart will assist border patrol efforts at the U.S.-Mexico border in anticipation of a migrant caravan heading northward from Central America, confirmed the Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield public affairs office.

“Elements of the 3rd Infantry Division have deployed in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection efforts along our southwest border,” stated Maj. Tony Hoefler, 3rd ID, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield public affairs deputy director. “The soldiers are from the 90th Human Resources Company, part of the 3rd Sustainment Brigade. The unit is providing human resource support to the operation. Soldiers from the 90th HR previously supported hurricane relief efforts for Florence and Michael.

“The 3rd ID is a mission-ready unit prepared to provide further support to Operation Faithful Patriot if called upon,” Hoefler said in a news release.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis approved sending active duty forces to the southwest border last week, according to a Military Times news story.

According to a report on defense.gov, the Department of Defense will deploy more than 5,000 active-duty service members to assist Homeland Security and customs and border patrol personnel.

About 2,000 national guardsmen are expected to participate in Operation Guardian Support, according to the website. These deployed troops will assist by providing air and ground transportation, logistics, engineering and equipment, “to secure legal crossings and medical support units,” states the defense.gov article.