Breaking News: Pentagon Mobilizes National Guards to Create Quick Reaction Forces for Enhanced Crowd Control

A top U.S. military official, Major General Ronald Burkett, has ordered national guards from all 50 states and U.S. territories to form “quick reaction forces” focused on riot control. This directive, dated October 8, aims to train about 23,500 troops nationwide in techniques that include using batons, Tasers, and crowd control equipment. Each state is expected to train 500 national guard members to support this initiative.

The order references an executive directive from former President Trump, which called for these forces to be available for quick deployment during civil disturbances. Janessa Goldbeck, a former Marine and CEO of the Vet Voice Foundation, voiced concerns that this represents an attempt to normalize a militarized police force. She warns it could lead to overreach, especially in states with Democratic governors.

Goldbeck raised the alarming possibility that the President might declare a state of emergency, claiming elections are compromised, and use this as justification to seize ballots. Both the White House and Pentagon have yet to respond to these concerns.

The memo also mentions that military trainers will assist each state, with a plan for these forces to be operational by January 1, 2026. Each location will receive 100 sets of crowd control gear. Guardsmen will undergo training in riot control tactics and de-escalation techniques, documenting progress each month.

Historically, the creation of these rapid response units often occurs after crises, like natural disasters. Christopher Purdy, a veteran and advocate against militarization, recalls that more than 50,000 national guardsmen were deployed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He highlights a troubling trend; similar deployments in the past were often aimed at quelling civil unrest, such as during the tragic events at Kent State University in 1970 when four students were fatally shot.

Experts argue this recent shift could signal a dangerous return to those days. Recent surveys show that public sentiment is mixed, with many voters expressing concerns over increased militarization of local police forces. As we move forward, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about how these developments could impact civil liberties and governance.

For further reading about historical contexts and expert opinions, see this National Guard article.

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