North Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has approved the deployment of approximately 100 Soldiers from the Arkansas Army National Guard to the nation’s capital, where they will support ongoing civil security operations alongside the D.C. National Guard. The deployment reflects the Guard’s dual mission of serving both federal and state responsibilities, ranging from overseas operations to domestic security and emergency response.
The Soldiers selected for this mission come from the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade of the Arkansas Army National Guard. They are scheduled to assemble at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center in Barling in the coming weeks, where they will undergo a series of pre-mobilization procedures. These include administrative processing, medical and dental readiness screening, pre-mobilization training, and mission-specific preparation to ensure they are fully equipped for the responsibilities ahead. Following the Thanksgiving holidays, the Soldiers will move to the National Capital Region, where they are expected to conduct security operations for several months.
“Arkansas’ Guardsmen are there when we need them – whether it’s to deploy overseas, help secure the Southern Border, respond to a natural disaster, or keep our nation’s capital safe. I have no doubt that in this mission, they will show the same skill and discipline that makes them such valuable public servants and will help bring law and order back to the streets of Washington, D.C.,” said Governor Sanders. “I am thankful to the Guardsmen and their families, and to President Trump for cleaning up crime.”
Brigadier General Chad Bridges, the Adjutant General of Arkansas, expressed his pride in the Soldiers’ dedication. “I am proud of our Soldiers and their continued commitment to serve when called. These Guardsmen bring exceptional training, discipline, and professionalism. They will be well-prepared and ready to integrate with the D.C. National Guard and accomplish the mission. The Arkansas National Guard stands ready to serve our state and our nation when called — at home, across the country, and overseas,” he said.
This deployment is federally funded and involves providing a visible security presence and law enforcement support in designated areas throughout the capital. It is part of a routine rotational relief of National Guard units already assigned to similar duties in Washington, D.C., ensuring continuous coverage and operational readiness. The Arkansas Soldiers will be working closely with D.C. units to maintain safety and stability, particularly in areas designated for increased security patrols.
The Arkansas National Guard maintains a longstanding tradition of readiness for both state and federal missions. Domestically, it provides critical support to civil authorities during emergencies, including natural disasters, security operations, and public safety initiatives. Federally, its Soldiers are trained and prepared to deploy anywhere worldwide in support of U.S. national security objectives. This deployment to the nation’s capital reinforces that dual mission and highlights the Guard’s capability to respond wherever called.
Governor Sanders noted that the Arkansas Guardsmen have repeatedly proven their reliability in a wide variety of challenging circumstances. From overseas deployments to humanitarian assistance and domestic security missions, the Soldiers bring professionalism and dedication to every assignment. Their deployment to Washington, D.C., exemplifies the ongoing commitment of the Arkansas National Guard to protect communities, uphold public safety, and serve the nation.
As preparations continue at Fort Chaffee, Soldiers and their families are supported by the Guard’s robust pre-mobilization programs, designed to ensure that all personnel are ready for the operational and logistical challenges of deployment. The training focuses on coordination with other National Guard units, law enforcement integration, and effective operational readiness, ensuring that Arkansas Soldiers can perform their mission efficiently and safely.
The deployment of the Arkansas Army National Guard to the nation’s capital underscores the importance of trained, ready, and disciplined forces capable of responding quickly to both domestic and federal missions. As these Soldiers prepare to leave for Washington, D.C., the state and nation rely on their experience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty to contribute to the safety and security of the country’s capital.
