Approximately 300 Indiana National Guard soldiers arrived in Washington to support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful, Joint Task Force District of Columbia mission, Dec. 6.
The guardsmen will assist local and federal law enforcement partners, conduct community safety patrols and manage traffic control posts to reduce crime, minimize property damage and keep the peace.
Army Lt. Col. Derek Sutton, Indiana National Guard D.C. contingent commander, reiterated that message in his departure ceremony speech at the Johnson County Armory in Franklin, Indiana, Dec. 5.
"In Washington, D.C., our mission is simple. We will help create a safer environment for the people who live, work and visit there. We will support civil authorities and stand as a visible reminder that the National Guard is the bridge between everyday Americans and their military," Sutton said.
Since mid-November, the soldiers have been training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, preparing for their mission, which includes response, crowd management and de-escalation techniques.
"We are ready, and there is mission-specific training that we need to take on," Sutton said during the training events.
While carrying out the evolving mission in the nation's capital, the guardsmen will continue training with the joint task force.
"It is about reminding anyone who would do harm that there are trained, disciplined, professional soldiers on watch," Sutton said during his departure ceremony speech.
The ceremony included unit leaders, fellow soldiers and hundreds of family members of the departing service members.
"It is clear to us that you are trained and very capable to conduct this mission," said Army Brig. Gen. Cathy Eaken, 38th Infantry Division deputy commanding general.