3 quick notes on the National Guard

Speaking Security Newsletter | Congressional Candidate Advisory Note 14 | 2 June 2020

(Good luck to everyone with elections today! Regardless of the outcome, everything you did mattered and will continue to matter. And you’ve always got an ally in me and SPRI.)

Situation

1. National Guard is funded by the Department of Defense

National Guard troop levels via DOD Comptroller. FY19 actuals, FY20 projected, FY21 requested.

2. National Guard is trained by the Department of Defense

3. National Guard should not be near civilian populations

The shift from public health actor to occupying force is not an unnatural progression. It’s the National Guard reverting to type.

^From this article by Aída Chávez

Conclusion

Policy suggestions forthcoming. For now:

In solidarity,

Stephen (stephen@securityreform.org; @stephensemler)