Overview
- Leaked and corroborated memos instruct every state and U.S. territory to organize a Guard quick reaction force, with most states training about 500 troops for a nationwide total near 23,500 by an operational target of Jan. 1, 2026.
- The units will receive civil-disturbance training that includes de-escalation, riot-control formations, and the use of batons, shields, Tasers and pepper spray through specified Defense Department courses.
- Each state is slated to get 100 sets of crowd-control equipment and two full-time Guardsmen to manage the mission, with military trainers deploying and commanders filing monthly readiness updates.
- A separate order stands up a specialized military police battalion in the D.C. National Guard, including a 50-person full-time element ready within 90 days and a path to full strength by 2027.
- Officials say the rollout implements the Aug. 25 executive order, while questions persist over how these units differ from existing state forces and as courts and some states contest domestic Guard deployments.