U.S.
GalleryNational Guard troops from across the country arrive in Washington for 60th presidential inauguration
Stars and Stripes
January 19, 2025
Soldiers from Army National Guard units across various states assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) receive a briefing during Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration at the D.C. Armory in Washington Jan. 15, 2025 event. (Kimberley Glazier/U.S. Army National Guard)
Army and Air National Guard troops from across the nation arrived in Washington last week to provide support and security during the 60th Presidential Inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday.
Troops prepared with extensive training during the days leading to the inauguration. Guardsmen will wear a special shoulder patch with the National Guard motto “Always Ready, Always There,” to differentiate themselves from police members.
The National Guard plays a crucial role in balancing safety, security and other duties during the peaceful transition of power. The Guard has supported the presidential inauguration since 1789. The branch’s presence in the traditional ceremony continues its legacy with nearly 8,000 Guard troops this year.
Soldiers with the District of Columbia Army National Guard assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia assemble and inspect their dress uniforms in support of the 60th Presidential Inauguration in Washington on Jan. 18, 2025. (Simone Sampson/U.S. Army National Guard)
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Tennessee National Guardsmen board a C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 164th Air Refueling Wing, from Smyrna’s Volunteer Training Site, Jan. 17, 2025. (Olivia Gum/U.S. Army National Guard)
Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, J. Thomas Manger, addresses a formation of Indiana and Tennessee National Guardsmen assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) during a deputization ceremony near Washington in support of the upcoming 60th Presidential Inauguration, Jan. 18, 2024. (Skyler Schendt/Indiana Army National Guard)
Maj. Gen. Ronald Win Burkett, II, Director, Domestic Operations and Force Development, National Guard Bureau J-3/4/7, visits soldiers of the 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in Washington Jan. 17, 2025. (David L. Boyles/U.S. Army National Guard)
Wyoming National Guardsmen train with riot shields, batons, and protective equipment during civil disturbance training at the 115th Field Artillery Brigade armory in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Jan. 15, 2025. (Cesar Rivas/U.S. Army National Guard)
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Soldiers and airmen with the Tennessee National Guard board a C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 164th Air Refueling Wing, at Smyrna’s Volunteer Training Site, Jan. 17, 2025. (Olivia Gum/U.S. Army National Guard)
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Tennessee Air National Guardsmen pose in front of a C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 164th Air Refueling Wing, at Smyrna’s Volunteer Training Site, Jan. 17, 2025. (Kealy Moriarty/U.S. Army National Guard)
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Soldiers and airmen with the Tennessee National Guard depart in a C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 164th Air Refueling Wing, at Smyrna’s Volunteer Training Site, Jan. 17, 2025. (Olivia Gum/U.S. Army National Guard)
Oklahoma National Guard Soldiers prepare to depart from Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City, Jan. 16, 2025. (Mireille Merilice-Roberts/Oklahoma National Guard)
Wyoming National Guardsmen train with riot shields, batons, and protective equipment during civil disturbance training at the 115th Field Artillery Brigade armory in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Jan. 15, 2025. (Cesar Rivas/U.S. Army National Guard)
Tech. Sgt. James McClaskey, assigned to 153rd Security Forces Squadron, 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, instructs Soldiers and Airmen assigned to the Wyoming National Guard during civil disturbance training at the 115th Field Artillery Brigade armory in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Jan. 15, 2025. (Cesar Rivas/U.S. Army National Guard)
Master Sgt. Ryan Wyskochil, assigned to 153rd Security Forces Squadron, 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, instructs Soldiers and Airmen assigned to the Wyoming National Guard during civil disturbance training at the 115th Field Artillery Brigade armory in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Jan. 15, 2025. (Cesar Rivas/U.S. Army National Guard)
Senior Airmen Emma Oehler, 185th Air Refueling Wing Medical Technician, smiles for the camera as she waits to depart the Sioux City, Iowa, Airport with a small group of Airmen from the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing Medical Group Jan. 15, 2025. (Vincent De Groot/U.S. Air National Guard)
Tech. Sgt. James McClaskey, assigned to 153rd Security Forces Squadron, 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, instructs soldiers and airmen assigned to the Wyoming National Guard during civil disturbance training at the 115th Field Artillery Brigade armory in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Jan. 15, 2025. (Cesar Rivas/U.S. Army National Guard)
Senior Airmen Sarah Hall loads a duffle bag on a U.S. Air Force KC-135 at the Sioux City, Iowa, Airport Jan. 15, 2025. (Vincent De Groot/U.S. Air National Guard)
Tech Sgt. Dylan Hinds and Staff Sgt. Colton Seidler, 185th Air Refueling Wing Medical Technicians, load duffle bags on a U.S. Air Force KC-135 at the Sioux City, Iowa Airport Jan. 15, 2025. (Vincent De Groot/U.S. Air National Guard)