Pentagon Approves Two-Month Extension of National Guard Forces in DC
The Pentagon Tuesday evening announced Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s approval of a request by U.S. Capitol Police for a two-month extension of National Guard troops through May 23.
The number of troops will be reduced, however, from approximately 5,000 to 2,300 between mid-March and late-May.
‘Nearly 2,300 National Guard personnel will continue the support mission. This represents a reduction of nearly 50 percent of the current support force. This decision was made after a thorough review of the request and after close consideration of its potential impact on readiness,” Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said in a statement.
His statement added the number would reduce further “as conditions allow.”
“During this extended period, DoD officials will work with the U.S. Capitol Police to incrementally reduce the National Guard footprint as conditions allow. We thank the National Guard for its support throughout this mission, as well as for its significant efforts across the nation in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2021/03/10/pentagon-approves-two-month-extension-of-national-guard-forces-in-dc/