Several law enforcement officers, including those from agencies from Texas, New Mexico and military police, have spent more than a day scouring the desert from where Spc. John Fish, of the 41st Fires Brigade, from Fort Hood, Texas, disappeared on Monday.

Fort Bliss officials said the soldier had been training at the installation before they believe he "walked away" from the complex.

Increased military presence scouring the desert near Chaparral on Tuesday prompted a lockdown of the schools as a precaution, according to a school spokesman.

The increased military presence has put many residents on edge.

"It scared me because I've never seen soldiers out here in Chaparral," said Noe Garcia, "My brother was thinking it was terrorism."