Marine swine flu case investigated as military further prepares to deal with

WASHINGTON (CNN) - A U.S. Marine in California is the military's first suspect case of swine flu and three military family members in San Diego have confirmed cases as well, the Department of Defense said.As a precaution, the military is instituting a travel ban to Mexico for non-essential personnel.

Meanwhile, the general in charge of military operations in the United States, is planning for a task force to assist civilian authorities in the event military assistance is requested.

"We are not waiting to the last minute to throw something together," a spokesman for Gen. Eugene Renuart, commander of U.S. Northern Command, told CNN. Northern Command is the part of the Department of Defense responsible for the military's response to emergencies within the United States, like hurricanes, floods or possibly a major disease epidemic.

The task force now being planned will likely be led by a two-star general and would help with transportation, logistics and distributing medical supplies. It would work along side the Center for Disease Control and local authorities, if requested. Just like in a hurricane or other national emergencies, U.S. Northern Command could not do anything beyond planning unless a request comes from civilian leaders.