INDIANA — Approximately 300 soldiers from the Indiana National Guard are set to deploy to Washington, D.C., starting in December. Their mission is to support the D.C. National Guard in enhancing safety measures in the nation’s capital.
Gov. Mike Braun authorized the deployment following a request from the D.C. National Guard. The safety mission is focused on assisting civilian agencies and local law enforcement in reducing crime and minimizing property damage.
“Hoosiers are proud of our Guardsmen, who are well-trained and fully prepared for this mission,” Governor Braun stated in a release. “We are grateful for their service and support in our nation’s capital.”
The participating troops are primarily drawn from field artillery and engineer battalions based in Bloomington and Gary. Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, Indiana National Guard adjutant general, confirmed that the Hoosier Guardsmen are “ready for this mission,” noting their unique qualification and experience working with civilian first responders.
The soldiers will undergo preparatory training at Camp Atterbury before their early December departure and will continue training after arriving in Washington. The mission is expected to last for four months, with the Indiana Guardsmen replacing soldiers and airmen from other states who have been mobilized since August.
