Leaked to CBS 3 days ago, looks like it's happening, 82nd Airborne deploying.
CBS:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-a...-preparations/
Trump administration making heavy preparations for potential use of ground troops in Iran
......The U.S. is preparing to deploy elements of the 82nd Airborne Division into the Middle East region.
The planning involves the Army's Global Response Force and the
Marine Corps' Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Thousands of Marines are being moved now to the Middle East. Three warships and about 2,200 Marines from an expeditionary unit departed California earlier this week, according to two U.S. officials. It was the second such Marine unit sent since the war began, and it could be a few weeks before it's in place. The first was sent from the Pacific and is still making its way into the region.
The movements underscore the Pentagon's effort to expand military options available to the president, even as administration officials publicly decline to discuss potential next steps.
Photos
U
SAF C-17A out of Fort Bragg (82nd Airborne Division) setting up to cross the Atlantic Ocean; can carry up to 102 paratroopers with equipment: C-17 RCH674 08-8204 AE2FB0.
USAF C-17A out of Joint Base Charleston (JBC), which supports army paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg: C-17 RCH580 05-5145 #AE144F.
Also, 08-8204 already made a round trip earlier today from Fort Bragg's Pope Army Airfield as RCH898.
Last edited by ORAC; 23rd March 2026 at 16:00.