Border Security

Dunford spoke out against several retired generals who have criticized the deployment of active-duty troops to the border.

The official said there are about 2,600 troops now at staging bases, largely in Texas.

His comments raise questions about rules of engagement for the troops being sent to operate along the U.S. border.

Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines will take part in Operation Faithful Patriot.

The commander in chief said Wednesday that as many as 15,000 troops could be headed to the U.S.-Mexico border.

About 1,000 of the 5,200 troops going to the border are in place and more are preparing to go.

Thousands more troops have been put on standby to join the 5,200 active-duty troops already being sent to the border.

The mission is reportedly dubbed "Operation Faithful Patriot."

Several hundred troops from Fort Knox and Fort Campbell in Kentucky are already on the move into southern Texas.

Additional troops sent to the border will be limited to backing up Customs against the "caravan."