WASHINGTON - District of Columbia, Maryland and Pennsylvania National Guard members were deputized by U.S. Capitol Police as a reserve force for the 2025 counting and certification of electoral votes Jan. 6. At the request of the U.S. Secret Service, approximately 500 Guard members trained in civil disturbance operations served in ready response status to support U.S. Capitol Police if needed.
“Our ability to critically think, analyze a scenario, maintain safety and identify the commander’s intent is a testament to the National Guard’s capabilities and the agility of Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen,” said Maj. Michelle A. Watkis, battalion administrative officer, 372nd Military Police Battalion. “We’re well-trained and postured to be ready when called upon.”
The D.C. National Guard has a storied legacy in response support for domestic operations and National Special Security Events. Guardsmen support interagency partnerships that allow civilian agencies to focus on mission end state and public safety.
“We are a force multiplier comprised of multi-capable Soldiers and Airmen who are accustomed to providing an addition level of safety and expertise,” Watkis said.
Amid a snowstorm Jan. 6, the D.C. National Guard was also asked to assist the city’s public safety mission. Soldiers and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles provided mobility support operations across multiple police districts until normal operations resumed.
“There are regions in the city — like District 3 and District 4 — that are very hilly, and with poor weather conditions pose greater difficulty navigating. Our members were authorized to transport police as needed,” said Sgt. Maj. Gerald Harmon, 372nd Military Police Battalion Operations sergeant major.
Additionally, the first snow of the year included support to D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
“We had vehicles stationed at fire stations in case they were needed to respond,” Harmon said.
He said the support to multiple agencies and missions on the same day is a testament to the National Guard motto, Always Ready, Always There. Maintaining technical and tactical proficiency means being adaptive and ready to respond to a variety of needs.
“We train and have contingency plans to be strategically ready. We know what to do,” Harmon said.