Overview
- An Oct. 8 directive signed by Maj. Gen. Ronald Burkett instructs all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories to train dedicated forces for crowd-control operations.
- Most states are slated to field about 500 troops, totaling roughly 23,500 personnel, with smaller numbers in places like Delaware, Alaska, and Guam.
- Training will cover riot-control formations, use of batons, shields, Tasers and pepper spray, de‑escalation techniques, and monthly readiness reporting.
- Each state will receive 100 sets of crowd‑control gear, Pentagon trainers, and two full‑time Guard staff to manage preparation and response.
- A separate order calls for a specialized D.C. National Guard military police battalion with a 50‑person full‑time element, while officials and analysts question how the new units differ from existing rapid‑response capabilities and note ongoing legal disputes over deployments.