The Pentagon is reportedly in the process of forming a specialized task force aimed at addressing riots and civil disturbances within American cities.
This initiative, as detailed in documents obtained by The Washington Post, is set to establish a "Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force." This unit would comprise at least 600 National Guard troops, poised to deploy to urban areas within an hour of receiving notice of civil unrest.
President Donald Trump has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order across the nation. His recent actions include the deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., to address crime in the capital. This move aligns with his broader strategy of utilizing military resources to restore order, as seen during the Los Angeles riots in June, when the Pentagon dispatched 2,000 National Guardsmen in response to violent anti-immigration enforcement protests.
According to The Washington Post, the proposed task force would be divided into two contingents of 300 troops each. One group would be stationed in Arizona, tasked with responding to disturbances west of the Mississippi River, while the other would be based in Alabama, covering the eastern region.
The funding for this initiative, however, is not anticipated until fiscal year 2027, as it would need to go through the traditional Pentagon budget process. The cost of the program could reach hundreds of millions of dollars, particularly if military aircraft are utilized.
President Trump has previously demonstrated a willingness to deploy military forces to manage civil unrest, notably during the Black Lives Matter protests following George Floyd's death in 2020. This approach underscores his commitment to ensuring public safety and upholding order in the face of chaos.
A defense official, speaking to the Daily Caller News Foundation, stated, "The Department of Defense is a planning organization and routinely reviews how the department would respond to a variety of contingencies across the globe. We will not discuss these plans through leaked documents, pre-decisional or otherwise."
This statement reflects the Pentagon's cautious stance on discussing strategic plans, particularly those revealed through unauthorized channels.
As the nation grapples with ongoing challenges related to civil unrest, the proposed task force represents a significant step in reinforcing the government's capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to disturbances, ensuring the safety and security of American cities.
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