The United States reserve military force is activated for federal missions and state emergencies, from disasters to civil unrest.
National Guard troops patrolling the United States capital, Washington, DC, at the direction of US President Donald Trump have begun carrying firearms, the military said on Sunday.
The deployment, which began on August 11, 2025, following Trump’s executive order declaring a crime emergency, has been met with protests and concern from residents. Under the law, the president can maintain control over policing in the capital for up to 30 days.
Pentagon officials confirmed to Fox News that up to 1,700 National Guard members are set to mobilise in 19 states in the coming weeks to support President Trump’s anti-immigration and crime crackdown.
The National Guard is a reserve military force in the US that can be mobilised for active duty when needed. It responds to domestic emergencies like natural disasters and civil unrest and supports military operations abroad.
