Department of Defense Initiates Volunteer Program for Civilian Employees

The Department of Defense (DOD) has announced a new voluntary initiative aimed at assisting civilian employees in traveling to the U.S. borders to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This move was detailed in a memo released on Monday, which invites civilian personnel to step up and help with border operations.

Sean Parnell, a spokesperson for the Pentagon, emphasized the administration’s commitment to safeguarding local communities against threats and illegal activities. He noted, “From the beginning of this administration, the focus has been on protecting my hometown from harmful actors and illegal substances. By allowing skilled DOD personnel to aid DHS, we hope to amplify the progress made by our service members in bolstering national security.”

The request for this volunteer program came from DHS, according to U.S. officials.

Details about how many DOD civilians are expected to participate or the specific tasks they will undertake remain unclear. Fox News Digital is currently reaching out to both DOD and DHS for more information. In a memo from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses, he mentioned, “Some allocations may come with reimbursement options, while others may not.”

Further, he stated that “non-refundable details will be permitted if the anticipated benefits match the training or development programs undertaken by the DOD.” This initiative coincides with ongoing efforts by the Trump administration aimed at intensifying measures against illegal immigration and promoting more effective deportation processes.