The Department of Defense (DoD) is taking a series of steps to enhance its force posture in the Middle East region. As a response to recent escalations around the Middle East on the part of Iran and its linked proxy forces, these actions are being taken to assist in the defense of Israel and to bolster the force protection afforded to United States troops.

According to a press statement dated October 21, 2023, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has given the order for the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to report to the area of responsibility for the Central Command. In addition to this, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is currently stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean at the moment. The purpose of the action is to bolster the presence of United States forces and improve their ability to respond to a diverse range of urgent situations.

In accordance with the information provided in the press release, the United States Department of Defense has initiated the movement of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to the region around the Middle East. Because of these deployments, the level of safety enjoyed by U.S. military troops stationed in the region will be boosted.

According to the information that was included in the press release, "prepare to deploy" orders have been issued to an unknown number of forces as well. This is a component of the thorough preparation for the unexpected that is being done by the Department of Defense, and it is intended to make these units more prepared and responsive.

Secretary Austin stated to journalists, "I will continue to assess our force posture requirements in the region and consider deploying additional capabilities as necessary."