Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has approved a 90-day extension for the deployment of roughly 100 Arkansas Army National Guard Soldiers to Washington, D.C., where they are assisting the D.C. National Guard in ongoing civil security operations. The deployment, initially announced in November 2025, reflects Arkansas’ continued commitment to supporting federal missions while contributing to public safety in the nation’s capital.
“Arkansas’ Guardsmen are the best in the country, and I saw firsthand their hard work and commitment to public safety when I had the chance to visit our men and women serving in D.C. last December,” said Governor Sanders. “This mission is delivering significant, real improvements to public safety in our nation’s capital, and I am honored that our Guard is playing a part in keeping D.C. safe.”
The Guardsmen deployed for this mission are members of the Arkansas Army National Guard’s 142nd Field Artillery Brigade. Since arriving in the National Capital Region after the Thanksgiving holiday, they have been conducting security presence patrols, supporting law enforcement in designated areas, and participating in a federally funded rotational relief of National Guard units already on assignment. Their presence is part of a broader Department of War operation, which began in August 2025, that has had a measurable impact on crime in the city.
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According to official figures, more than 6,000 arrests have been made and over 600 illegal firearms removed from the streets since the mission’s inception. Compared to the same period the previous year, murders have decreased by 60%, robberies by 50%, and carjackings by 70%. These results highlight the tangible effects of deploying trained National Guard units to reinforce civil security operations in high-risk areas.
“Under the Governor’s strong leadership, the Arkansas National Guard is proud to continue its support to the District of Columbia. We are proud of our Soldiers as they help increase the security of Washington, D.C., while displaying the values of Arkansas through their professional and selfless service,” said Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Adjutant General of Arkansas.
Governor Sanders has made several visits and engagements with the deployed soldiers. In December 2025, she spoke to Guardsmen during a send-off ceremony at Fort Chaffee and later traveled to Washington, D.C., with U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) to meet with the Arkansas National Guard members actively serving in the capital. During these visits, Sanders highlighted the importance of their role in strengthening public safety and acknowledged the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families.
The Arkansas Army National Guard maintains a dual mission that includes federal and state responsibilities. While their current deployment supports a federal mission in Washington, D.C., the Guard is also prepared to assist local authorities within Arkansas when called upon. This can include security operations, disaster response, and other emergency assistance, ensuring the state has trained, ready forces to respond to a wide range of contingencies.
The extension of this deployment reflects both the ongoing need for security support in the National Capital Region and the high level of trust placed in Arkansas Guardsmen. The decision underscores the state’s reputation for professionalism and reliability, with its soldiers recognized for maintaining discipline, skill, and dedication while executing complex missions far from home.
As the 90-day extension begins, the Arkansas Army National Guard will continue its patrols, law enforcement support, and overall mission objectives, contributing to a safer environment for residents and visitors in Washington, D.C. The deployment stands as an example of how National Guard units balance state commitments with critical federal missions, demonstrating both flexibility and unwavering dedication to public service.
Governor Sanders and state officials continue to express gratitude for the Guard’s service, emphasizing that these operations not only enhance security in the nation’s capital but also reflect the best qualities of Arkansas’ military forces. Their continued deployment will ensure that the mission’s positive impact on crime reduction and public safety remains sustained over the coming months.
