Overview
- An Oct. 8 memo signed by Maj. Gen. Ronald Burkett instructs Guard units in all states and U.S. territories to prepare quick reaction forces, with most states training about 500 members for a nationwide total near 23,500.
- The guidance mandates specialized civil‑disturbance instruction covering riot‑control formations and nonlethal weapons such as batons, body shields, Tasers and pepper spray, with monthly readiness reporting.
- The Pentagon will send trainers to each state and provide roughly 100 sets of crowd‑control gear per location to meet the early‑2026 operational goal, according to the leaked documents.
- A separate Sept. 24 order establishes a dedicated D.C. National Guard military police battalion, including a 50‑person full‑time element to be ready within 90 days and a phased buildout through 2027.
- Some U.S. officials say the plan largely updates or standardizes existing National Guard rapid‑response capabilities, while ongoing court fights over deployments to Portland and Chicago continue with Supreme Court briefing underway.