As of Thursday, the troops are spending a few days at Camp Rilea near Warrenton, training before heading to Portland. According to Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, they’re training on crowd control.
In town, some people said they did not even know the guard was there, but one woman said she had formerly served in the Air National Guard in California.
“In my experience, I’m not aware of any conflict in the U.S. that the guard usually gets called to,” Anna Wilkins said. “And I find what is going on in Portland a bit strange. And I certainly wouldn’t want to be in the guard right now or be deployed.”
Wilkins said she does not understand the mission, adding that it does not seem warranted.
The Pentagon’s chief spokesperson told KOIN 6 News on Wednesday that the Oregon National Guard was preparing to support ICE and other U.S. government personnel as well as protect federal property.
Before that, the Oregon Military Department said their mission was strictly to protect federal properties and the employees working inside.
“I personally wouldn’t agree with being deployed in such a scenario. I also do from just a perspective of somebody who lives in the Pacific Northwest and spent time in Portland on occasion. I don’t understand what’s going on.”
In his letter to guard members this week, Adjutant General Alan Gronewold said it was OK to have strong feelings about the mission, but he reminded members that they are service members who took an oath to support and defend the Constitution and follow the president’s orders.
KOIN 6 News has been in touch with the Oregon Military Department about this all week, but now that the guard is here training for this federal mission, all communication must go through the U.S. Department of Defense/Department of War.
The federal officials did not respond to KOIN 6 News’ request for comment.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.
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