INDIANA — Approximately 300 soldiers from the Indiana National Guard arrived in Washington, D.C. on Saturday to begin their deployment for the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission.
The Hoosier soldiers will be assisting local and federal law enforcement partners. Their duties will include managing traffic control posts and conducting community safety patrols.
“In Washington D.C., our mission is simple,” said Indiana National Guard Lt. Col. Derek Sutton in a release. “We will help create a safer environment for the people who live, work, and visit there. We will support civil authorities and stand as a visible reminder that the National Guard is the bridge between everyday Americans and their military”.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun authorized the deployment. The Indiana Guard is replacing personnel who have been serving in Washington, D.C., since August 2025.
Governor Braun expressed his pride in the deploying forces: “Hoosiers are proud of our Guardsmen, who are well-trained and fully prepared for this mission,” Braun said in a statement. “We are grateful for their service and support in our nation’s capital”.
The soldiers have been preparing for the deployment since November, undergoing training at Camp Atterbury. Their preparation included training in response, crowd management, and de-escalation techniques. They will continue to receive training with the Joint Task Force upon arriving in D.C.
The deployment is expected to last no longer than four months.
