WASHINGTON –
On Feb. 13, 2026, as cold air moved through the District and commuters filled Metro platforms at the height of the evening rush, two Army National Guard leaders climbed into their SUV for another rotation through Washington’s transit corridors — part of a coordinated effort supporting civil authorities and reinforcing public confidence across the nation’s capital.
Inside the vehicle, however, a different engagement was unfolding.
“Activate Scott’s iPhone,” said Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force–D.C., with the calm tone of a man who knew exactly what he had just initiated.
From the passenger seat, Command Sgt. Maj. Scott McKennon studied the dashboard like it had personally challenged his authority. Somewhere within the task force, it is said — without documentation or sworn testimony — that McKennon once earned a Master Driver Badge. The story is told confidently. Evidence remains elusive.
What is verifiable is this: despite repeated claims of vehicular mastery, the senior enlisted leader remains locked in a long-running campaign against Bluetooth technology.
“I had it connected,” McKennon said, tapping the touchscreen with deliberate precision. “It was paired.”
The SUV disagreed.
Volume controls behaved unpredictably. Software updates were met with suspicion. Voice-command prompts offered little reassurance.
“Let’s get the evening rotation playlist going,” Doane added, observing the unfolding technological skirmish with quiet amusement.
McKennon adjusted his glasses like a senior noncommissioned officer preparing to correct a deficiency. Menus were navigated. Settings were probed. A brief counteroffensive was launched.
The screen blinked.
“Bluetooth disconnected.”
Silence.
“This thing is conducting cyber warfare,” McKennon muttered.
Laughter filled the cabin.
Moments later — after what could only be described as a decisive maneuver through the audio settings — music finally filled the vehicle. Victory secured. Temporary, but secured. The soundtrack wasn’t a call to action. It was background rhythm for another evening of visible leadership across the city.
Then Doane reached for the radio handset, transitioning seamlessly from humor to oversight.
“Victory Main, this is Victory Six. One vehicle, four personnel. Inbound Anacostia Metro Station. Over.”
The brief transmission updated the operations center tracking leadership movement across the District. The tone shifted instantly.
The D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission integrates federal support with local law enforcement to reinforce order in public spaces while preserving the daily rhythm of the city. Guardsmen operate lawfully in support roles — providing presence and operational depth as civilian agencies lead enforcement actions.
Earlier that week, those combined efforts surpassed a significant milestone: more than 1,000 illegal firearms removed from circulation since the mission began.
Behind each number is a weapon that will not return to a neighborhood, a confrontation less likely to escalate.
“When we started, reaching 100 felt ambitious,” McKennon said as they stepped onto the Anacostia Metro platform. “Now we’ve passed 1,000.”
Doane nodded toward the Guardsmen positioned near the fare gates.
“That didn’t happen by accident,” he said. “It’s steady work — every day.”
He emphasized that enforcement authority remains with civilian agencies.
“Our role is to support the agencies that own that mission,” Doane said. “If our presence gives them space to work more effectively, then we’re doing exactly what we’re supposed to do.”
That distinction is deliberate. The mission depends as much on public trust as operational effectiveness.
“I really believe fare enforcement is one of the most important things we’re doing,” McKennon said, gesturing toward the turnstiles. “If people see someone commit a crime every day and nothing happens, it says something about society.”
“It didn’t get this way overnight,” he added. “It won’t fix overnight either.”
The two leaders moved deliberately from post to post — platform to parking garage, street-level entrances to surrounding businesses — asking about rotations, equipment and morale.
“You guys rotate platform and ground?” McKennon asked one team. “Stay warm. Anything you need?”
The conversations were practical. Transitioning Soldiers from temporary lodging into apartments with kitchens. Preparing for summer heat. Planning for sustainability if the mission continues.
“If this runs long,” Doane said between stops, “we’ve got to treat it like a rotation. Make it sustainable.”
Security is not only about immediate response. It is about endurance — ensuring forces remain ready, supported and aligned over time.
As they walked the platform, Doane reflected on shifting patterns across the city.
“You can track it,” he said. “Where we are, crime shifts somewhere else.”
Presence influences behavior. It communicates accountability without disrupting daily life.
With cherry blossom season approaching, both leaders anticipate a change in tempo.
“Once it warms up, it’s like spring break,” Doane said. “Everybody comes outside.”
Increased activity demands preparation rather than reaction.
At one stop, Doane addressed feedback the task force had received about visible uniforms near a local school.
“Some people said the uniforms made students uneasy,” he said. “That’s not our intent.”
He reiterated that the Guard’s role is to reassure and support — to be present without intruding.
When a call for assistance came from the same area days later, nearby Guardsmen were already positioned to support responding law enforcement.
“That proximity makes a difference,” Doane said. “It’s about being ready to help.”
Throughout the evening, the message remained consistent: professionalism, partnership and accountability.
“Keep an eye on each other,” Doane reminded one group of Guardsmen.
“Appreciate what you’re doing,” McKennon added.
As they prepared to move again, Doane keyed the radio once more.
“Victory Main, this is Victory Six. One vehicle, four personnel moving to Navy Yard Metro. Over.”
The SUV pulled back into traffic.
Bluetooth still paired.
For now.
Security in the nation’s capital rarely announces itself. It unfolds through coordination centers, disciplined patrols and visible leadership that allows daily life to continue uninterrupted.
Two microphones captured the humor.
The operations center tracked the movement.
And across the District, commuters moved through their routines — often unaware of the quiet, lawful partnership working in the background to keep it that way.