During past events such as the racial protests and the January 6th riot, Washington saw a mix of National Guard members and law enforcement officers, which made it difficult to distinguish between the two. This year’s inauguration will address that concern.
For the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday, National Guard personnel will wear a distinctive shoulder patch that includes their motto, “Always Ready, Always There,” helping attendees easily identify them.
Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard II, the adjutant general of the Washington, D.C. Guard, explained that the patch will ensure people can easily tell who is part of the National Guard, emphasizing its role in supporting the peaceful transition of power. The patch, in red, white, and blue, also features a minuteman, symbolizing the Guard’s historical ties to the Revolutionary War.
Army Col. Larry Doane, a senior leader in the Guard, noted that the patches will help clearly distinguish Guard members from law enforcement, especially as many agencies now use similar camouflage. He highlighted the U.S. tradition of hesitance toward military involvement in civilian policing, stressing that the Guard aims to honor this history.
This year’s security efforts are said to be much more prepared, especially after the heightened concerns following the 2021 Capitol siege. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth assured that the event would be more secure and less volatile than the one four years ago, which saw a heavy National Guard presence in response to the chaos.
Approximately 7,800 Guard troops from over 40 states and territories are deployed, with many arriving earlier than usual to ensure a smooth buildup of security measures. The inauguration events will be held indoors due to cold weather, likely requiring adjustments in troop placement, though the Capitol’s security perimeter will remain a priority.
Extensive planning has been underway for months, with various federal, law enforcement, and military bodies coordinating efforts. Blanchard emphasized the importance of clear communication between all involved agencies, particularly to address unforeseen incidents.
Guard members will handle crowd control, traffic management, and general security, including overseeing 100 traffic control points and five subway stations. There will also be specialized teams prepared for potential chemical, biological, or explosive threats.
Blanchard expressed confidence in the preparations, saying, “I’m excited to witness this peaceful transfer of power in our nation’s capital, surrounded by fellow Americans.”
Intelligence agencies continue to monitor for any potential threats but have not reported significant risks. Officials anticipate the inauguration will proceed without major disruptions, resembling more typical ceremonies from previous years.
The 2021 inauguration was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to empty streets and masked crowds. This year, however, Washington’s hotels and restaurants are expected to be bustling, with additional measures in place to accommodate the Guard troops. Many will be housed in vacant downtown buildings, as many federal employees will be working remotely.
Of the deployed troops, about 87% will be Army personnel, with 13% from the Air Force.
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