WASHINGTON –
The National Guard is often described as a force of citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, a distinction that reflects more than part-time service. Across Washington, D.C., that identity is on full display as Guardsmen from multiple states bring their civilian skills, professional experience and diverse backgrounds together in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission—reinforcing public safety while supporting civil authorities in the Nation’s Capital.
Unlike active-duty forces, National Guard members balance military service with civilian careers that span nearly every sector of American society. Teachers, engineers, law enforcement officers, health care professionals, mechanics and students stand shoulder to shoulder in uniform, applying their real-world knowledge to a mission focused on visibility, deterrence and assistance to civil authorities.
“It has been amazing to see so many Guardsmen unite in our Nation’s Capital for this mission,” said Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard II, commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard. “They bring with them a diverse background of expertise and utilize those perspectives to further this mission. For example, if a Soldier is a nurse in their civilian profession and they are out on patrol—fully trained and equipped for their military role—but have an opportunity to provide life-saving measures in the District, they bring years of experience that further support the mission.”
That breadth of experience has become a strength of the operation. Guardsmen draw on skills developed outside the military—communication, problem-solving, crisis response and teamwork—while conducting presence patrols, assisting the public and coordinating with local and federal partners. The result is a force well suited to operate in complex, public-facing environments where professionalism, trust and unity of effort contribute to community stability, resilience and public confidence.
The D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission has brought together National Guard members from states across the country, uniting individuals who may never have worked together before. Despite their different home states and backgrounds, Guardsmen quickly form cohesive teams built on shared values, mission focus and a common commitment to service.
“What makes this mission successful is the people,” said Col. Larry Doane, Joint Task Force–District of Columbia commander. “Guardsmen arrive from different states and walks of life, but they come together quickly as one team. They bring civilian skills, shared values and a commitment to service that allows them to integrate seamlessly and support the mission from day one.”
Operating in the Nation’s Capital requires adaptability and awareness. Guardsmen regularly interact with residents, commuters and visitors, answering questions, providing assistance and serving as a visible reminder of stability and support. In many cases, civilian experience enhances those interactions, enabling service members to engage confidently and respectfully with the public.
Leaders say the mission also offers valuable professional development. Junior enlisted members and officers gain experience operating in joint and interagency environments, while noncommissioned officers mentor younger troops in leadership, accountability and decision-making. These lessons extend beyond the mission, shaping service members who will return to their communities with expanded perspectives and strengthened skills.
“This mission provides real-world leadership development you can’t replicate in a classroom,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Scott McKennon, Joint Task Force–District of Columbia senior enlisted leader. “Our Guardsmen are refining their ability to lead people, make sound decisions and operate in complex environments, and those experiences will stay with them long after they return home to their units and communities.”
The National Guard’s dual role—serving both state and nation—positions it as a vital link between military capability and civilian society. The D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission reflects that connection, demonstrating how Guardsmen leverage their civilian identities while fulfilling federal responsibilities that support homeland security, public confidence and coordinated response.
As Guardsmen continue to serve in Washington, D.C., their presence underscores a defining characteristic of the National Guard: a force drawn from the communities it protects. Through diverse experience, shared commitment and service in uniform, citizen-Soldiers and Airmen from across the country are working together to support safety, resilience and trust in the Nation’s Capital.