The Pentagon has initiated the mobilization of thousands of National Guard troops to train for potential civil unrest missions. This move suggests a shift in policy, allowing military forces to operate in urban areas under circumstances that were previously reserved for extreme emergencies.
Details of the National Guard Mobilization
According to internal documents reviewed by El-Balad, the Defense Department plans to establish a “quick reaction force” within the National Guard. This force is expected to be trained and equipped with riot control gear by January 1. It will initially consist of 200 specialized troops primarily trained for disaster response.
Size and Scope of Forces
- The total mobilized force will number 23,500 troops across all 50 states and three territories, excluding D.C.
- Individual states will contribute between 250 and 500 personnel, based on their resources.
- Most troops within the mobilized force are trained for disaster relief operations, not civil unrest scenarios.
Training for an existing group, the National Guard Reaction Force, is expected to be completed by April 1. This dual approach may amplify federal and immigration enforcement operations domestically.
Political Reactions
The deployment of National Guard troops has sparked criticism from Democratic governors who argue against the military’s role in civilian law enforcement. They have pursued legal action to contest these deployments.
President Trump has characterized this mobilization as essential for maintaining order in troubled cities, asserting that he has the authority to deploy military forces domestically. “We can’t have cities that are troubled,” he stated during a visit to Japan, emphasizing his commitment to safety.
Legal Challenges Surrounding Deployments
The U.S. Supreme Court has requested further briefs from the Trump administration concerning the legality of troop deployments to Chicago. This follows increased scrutiny of similar actions intended for Portland.
Critics, including defense analysts, warn that transforming National Guard troops into instruments for political ends could undermine their fundamental roles. Plans for a “Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force” suggest a readiness to deploy rapidly against civil disturbances.
Training and Preparedness
The new quick reaction force will be trained to use equipment such as Tasers and pepper spray, with a requirement to have a set of crowd-control gear available. The intent is for the first wave of personnel to be deployable within eight hours, with full readiness achievable in one day.
This significant mobilization of National Guard resources continues to generate debate over the balance of power between state and federal authorities, as well as the implications for civil liberties and military policy.
