Texas to build a forward operating base along Mexico border

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wants another forward operating base for troops. However, instead of having it overseas, like in the Middle East or Western Pacific, Abbott wants it at the border between the United States and Mexico.

At a press conference on Friday, Feb. 16, Abbott announced he authorized the construction of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Eagle. The 80-acre facility will be located along the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Working at the direction of Abbot, Texas National Guard troops previously installed razor wire and built a wall of shipping containers along the riverbanks in effort to deter a record number of illegal border crossings into Texas.

The number of migrants crossing into the U.S. increased under President Joe Biden’s administration, leading Republicans in the House of Representatives to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

Abbott said FOB Eagle will enable the National Guard to consolidate its forces in the region, and it provides a central location to conduct operations. According to Abbott, FOB Eagle will house up to 1,800 troops with the ability to accommodate up to 2,300 under surge conditions.

“This will organize substantial forces also to expand the razor wire barriers that are going up,” Abbott said. “In this area, we’ve seen the effectiveness of the razor wire in Shelby Park, where crossings have gone from 3,000, 4,000 to 5,000 people a day to less than 1% of that crossing illegally per day. And that’s because of the effectiveness of the razor wire. Our goal is to make sure that we expand the effectiveness of that razor wire to more areas along this border. Having the soldiers located right here, right by the river, they’re going to have the ability to more quickly be able to construct that razor wire barrier.”

Forward operating bases are usually reserved for direct military operations in foreign countries, but there are currently 11 FOBs operating on U.S. soil. Eight of those are in Arizona and New Mexico.

FOBs come in many different shapes and sizes, and no two are exactly alike. At its most basic level, a FOB is a secure military location used to help and support tactical operations. That usually means some form of command-and-control center, but could also include barracks, dining and laundry facilities. Some FOBs even house workout centers.

FOBs also provide troops a place to recharge, as well as fix any equipment issues they’re encountering and coordinate with their commanding officers.

A recent survey of Texas National Guard troops who are currently deployed to the southern border showed a growing resentment over the lack of resources. The survey also showed a significant number of respondents thought there wasn’t a clear mission for troops at the border, and that their work was being politicized.

Reuters contributed to this report.