National Guard to boost DC presence with military vehicles

Associated Press · Konstantin Toropin · 2026-11-05 21:23 UTC

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed off on the National Guard ramping up its presence in the nation’s capital in military vehicles and boats as troops deepen their integration with local law enforcement. That was outlined in two memos signed Oct. 29 and obtained by The Associated Press. Hegseth has approved the National Guard to use 60 military police cars as well as tactical vehicles, patrol boats and portable light towers during increased patrols around Washington. Troops will also be able to carry rifles on some operations but not in Metro rail stations.

Hegseth allows National Guard to boost DC patrols with military vehicles, boats and patrol cars

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed off on the National Guard ramping up its presence in the nation’s capital in military vehicles and boats as troops deepen their integration with local law enforcement.

In two memos signed Oct. 29 and obtained by The Associated Press, Hegseth approved the National Guard to use 60 military police cars as well as tactical vehicles, patrol boats and portable light towers during increased patrols around Washington. Troops will also be able to carry rifles during some operations but not in Metro rail stations.

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