National Guard members from Maryland and Pennsylvania arrive at the District of Columbia Armory to prepare for the election certification mission Jan. 5, 2024. The counting and certification of electoral votes has been designated a special security event national. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)
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WASHINGTON – National Guard members from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Pennsylvania have been designated by the U.S. Capitol Police as a reserve force for the counting and certification of 2025 electoral votes on January 6. At the request of the U.S. Secret Service, approximately 500 Guard members trained in civil unrest operations served in a state of ready response to support the U.S. Capitol Police if necessary.
“Our ability to think critically, analyze a scenario, maintain security and identify the commander’s intent is a testament to the capabilities of the National Guard and the agility of citizen-Soldiers and Airmen,” said the Maj. Michelle A. Watkis, battalion administrative officer, 372nd Military Police Battalion. “We are well trained and ready to be ready when called upon.”
The DC National Guard has a historic legacy of supporting domestic operations and special national security events. Guardsmen support interagency partnerships that allow civilian agencies to focus on the mission end state and public safety.
“We are a force multiplier made up of multi-capable Soldiers and Airmen accustomed to providing an added level of security and expertise,” Watkis said.
In the midst of a snowstorm on January 6, the Washington, D.C. National Guard was also called upon to assist in the city’s public safety mission. Soldiers and high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles provided mobility support operations in several police districts until normal operations resumed.
“Some areas of the city, such as District 3 and District 4, are very hilly and due to poor weather conditions, it is more difficult to travel there. Our members were authorized to transport police officers as needed,” said Sgt. Maj. Gerald Harmon, 372nd Military Police Battalion operations sergeant major.
Additionally, the first snow of the year required support for DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
“We had vehicles parked at the fire stations in case they were needed to respond,” Harmon said.
He said supporting multiple agencies and missions on the same day is a testament to the National Guard motto, Always Ready, Always There. Maintaining technical and tactical skills 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.
