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Members of the West Virginia National Guard arrived on Aug. 19 alongside members of South Carolina National Guard, according to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. Photos shared by the DVIDS show soldiers at an orientation brief upon their arrival in Washington.
Servicemembers from the West Virginia and South Carolina National Guards receive an orientation brief upon their arrival at the Washington, D.C. Armory, Aug. 19, 2025. The West Virginia and South Carolina Guard is in Washington to support the Joint Task Force-District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful mission. (U.S. Army photo by CPL Joseph Martin) Soldiers and Airmen from the West Virginia and South Carolina National Guards receive an orientation brief after their arrival at the Washington, D.C. Armory, Aug. 19, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by CPL Joseph Martin) Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, senior enlisted advisor for the District of Columbia National Guard, addresses newly arrived Soldiers and Airmen from the West Virginia and South Carolina National Guards at the D.C. Armory, Aug. 19, 2025. The West Virginia and South Carolina Guards are providing support to the Joint Task Force-D.C. as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. (U.S. Army photo by CPL Joseph Martin) U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, briefs newly arrived servicemembers from the West Virginia and South Carolina National Guards at the D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C., Aug. 19, 2025. The West Virginia and South Carolina Guard are supporting the task force’s D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission at the request of President Donald J. Trump. (U.S. Army photo by CPL Joseph Martin) U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force-D.C., briefs servicemembers from the West Virginia and South Carolina National Guards after their arrival at the Washington, D.C. Armory, Aug. 19, 2025. The West Virginia and South Carolina National Guards are in Washington to provide support to the task force’s D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission at the request of President Donald J. Trump. (U.S. Army photo by CPL Joseph Martin)
According to the WVNG, approximately 300-400 personnel from West Virginia were expected to respond to assist with the task force. A press release from the WVNG from over the weekend said that in addition to those soldiers and airmen, the WVNG will also be “providing mission-essential equipment” and “specialized training.”
“This initiative aligns with our values of service and dedication to our communities,” West Virginia Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward said in the press release. “We stand ready to support our partners in the National Capital Region and contribute to the collective effort of making our nation’s capital a clean and safe environment. The National Guard’s unique capabilities and preparedness make it an invaluable partner in this important undertaking.”
Over the weekend, roughly 800 D.C. National Guard troops had already deployed in the capital, a move that some people are calling a “vindictive” attempted takeover of Washington law enforcement and a “recipe for chaos.” Supporters believe it is an attempt to deter crime and make D.C. a better place to live.
With the new troops arriving from West Virginia, Ohio, Mississippi and South Carolina on Tuesday, more than 1,600 troops are now on the ground. Originally, the guardsmen and women were not ordered to carry weapons, but reports from The Hill Tuesday indicated that is expected to change.
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