October 19, 2010: The Mexican Army, after four years of heavy action fighting drug gangs in the north, is expanding their combat forces by 18 battalions. The army currently has 80 combat battalions. These include 18 battalions in six combat brigades, nine special operations battalions, three parachute battalions and a Presidential Guard brigade. There are also about 50 infantry battalions, mainly used as garrison troops for the military regions.

The additional 18 battalions will provide more trained manpower for the war against the drug gangs. This will involve recruiting an additional 12,300 troops starting next year. Current strength of the army is about 192,000 troops.