

Lawfare Archive: Domestic Deployment of the National Guard
7 snips May 26, 2025
Join Generals Joseph Lengyel and Craig McKinley, along with Brigadier General Allyson Solomon and Major General Daryl Bohac, as they explore the evolving roles of the National Guard in domestic deployments. They discuss the implications of using Guardsmen for unconventional tasks like education and immigration enforcement. Concerns about election integrity and the potential misuse of military presence are also highlighted. Additionally, hear about state-federal dynamics, mental health challenges for guardsmen, and the need for clear guidelines to preserve democracy.
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National Guard's Three Statuses
- The National Guard serves under three statuses: Title 10, Title 32, and state active duty, each with different command and legal frameworks.
- These statuses impact funding, control, and legal authority, complicating coordination and deployment.
Traditional vs Novel Missions Impact
- Traditional National Guard missions focus on saving lives, protecting property, and assisting first responders during emergencies.
- New non-traditional deployments like prison guarding and border enforcement create tension, confusion, and strain on training and resources.
Political Missions Threaten Readiness
- Politically charged National Guard missions risk harming unit cohesion, morale, and retention.
- Maintaining readiness requires balancing deployments with civilian jobs, training, and family stability.