DC Guard Expansion: Military Vehicles and Boats Join Capital Patrols

National Guard units in Washington will begin using military police cars, tactical vehicles, and patrol boats to support local law enforcement, according to memos signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on October 29. The expansion allows troops to utilize 60 marked police vehicles and two patrol boats while maintaining a uniform presence. Troops will also carry rifles during certain operations, although they are prohibited from doing so inside Metro rail stations.

The change intensifies the military footprint in the capital, echoing the initial deployment in August 2025 when troops first arrived for a crime-fighting mission. Guard members have already participated in neighborhood patrols, homeless camp dispersals, and citywide cleanup efforts. The new authorization includes 20 portable light towers intended to enhance force protection in designated patrol zones.

Hegseth confirmed the maximum number of deployed Guard members will remain at 3,500, a figure lower than the summer peak of approximately 5,000 during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The Pentagon stated that the secretary authorized the continued use of Guard personnel and capabilities to support the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. The memos specify that patrol cars must be clearly marked as National Guard vehicles and that personnel must wear uniforms.

The directives also assign a greater role to troops in targeting gangs and drug traffickers. Six analysts will continue to address organized drug distribution within the District. Troops supporting anti-gang and drug operations will now carry rifles in addition to their standard pistols. However, the memos forbid troops from engaging in high-speed chases.

The U.S. Marshals Service received permission to use the 260th Special Purpose Brigade, a quick reaction force unit, to protect key federal leaders and secure critical facilities. A separate request for helicopters or troops to clean up abandoned tires in specific areas was denied in a November 4 memo. Recent incidents involving Guard members, including arrests for unauthorized firearms and a shooting during a fight, have drawn attention to the deployment.

The District of Columbia, which sued in September 2025 to halt the deployment, argues the mobilization is an illegal use of the military for domestic law enforcement. A federal appeals court panel heard arguments on October 14 after a lower court sided with the city. As of Monday, nearly 3,100 Guard members from various states are in Washington, with Georgia contributing more than 500 members and the District of Columbia accounting for 514.