Pentagon Directs National Guards to Create Riot Control Units

cryptocurrency In a significant move concerning US domestic security, a senior military official has mandated the establishment of "quick reaction forces" within the national guards of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories. This directive, which aims to prepare these forces for crowd control, has raised various concerns among experts and advocates.

According to an internal memo reviewed by The Guardian, Major General Ronald Burkett, who oversees operations at the Pentagon's national guard bureau, issued the order on October 8. The memo stipulates that these forces will be trained in riot control techniques, which include the use of batons, body shields, Tasers, and pepper spray.

Each state is required to train a minimum of 500 national guard members, culminating in a national total of around 23,500 troops prepared for deployment. Burkett referenced an executive order from Donald Trump, issued in August, which authorized the national guard's involvement in combating crime in Washington, D.C. This order also called for the formation of a "standing National Guard quick reaction force" that would be readily available to address civil disturbances across the country.

Janessa Goldbeck, a former captain in the US Marine Corps and current chief executive of the Vet Voice Foundation — a non-profit organization advocating for veterans — expressed serious concerns regarding the implications of this order. She described the initiative as an effort by the Trump administration to normalize a national, militarized police force.

Pentagon Directs National Guards to Create Riot Control Units Goldbeck warned that these forces could be deployed to states governed by Democrats without their consent, potentially undermining the electoral process by suppressing voter turnout and interfering with fair election operations. She highlighted a worst-case scenario where the president might invoke a state of emergency, claiming elections were rigged, thereby justifying the seizure of ballots from secure voting locations under allegations of voter fraud.

The Pentagon has not responded to multiple requests for comments regarding these concerns. A spokesperson for the national guard bureau declined to address issues surrounding the potential militarization of the police force or the possibility of using these units to confiscate ballot boxes.

On the other hand, Abigail Jackson, a spokesperson for the White House, defended the deployment of national guard troops, stating that it has been carried out lawfully in response to violent riots that local officials have failed to control or through invitations from local law enforcement. Jackson emphasized that President Trump and his administration are committed to enhancing public safety.

National Guard Presence in Washington DC Extended to February She noted, "The tremendous results from cities like Memphis and D.C., where crime has significantly dropped following national guard deployments, debunk all of the fearmongering and lies from The Guardian."

The memo from October 8 outlines that military trainers will be dispatched to each state and US territories, including those as distant as Guam, to ensure that these quick reaction forces are operational by January 1, 2026. Additionally, each state will receive 100 sets of crowd control equipment to support this initiative.

As part of their training, the troops will learn to form squad-sized riot control formations, utilize riot batons effectively as part of a controlled formation, and oversee riot and crowd control operations. The training also includes instruction on de-escalation techniques, ensuring that guardsmen are prepared for a variety of scenarios.

https://coinzn.org/ This directive comes amidst a larger narrative within US politics, particularly under the Trump administration, where the role of the military in domestic affairs has been increasingly scrutinized. Critics argue that the establishment of such forces could lead to the further militarization of law enforcement, raising alarms about civil liberties and the potential for abuse of power.

The Pentagon's directive to form quick reaction forces within the national guards marks a pivotal shift in the landscape of US domestic security. It underscores the Trump administration's approach to law enforcement and public safety while igniting a debate about the implications of militarizing the response to civil unrest. As the nation moves forward, the effectiveness and ethical considerations of these forces will likely continue to be a focal point in discussions surrounding US military and political dynamics.