By — Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/hegseth-allows-national-guard-to-boost-dc-patrols-with-military-vehicles-boats-and-patrol-cars Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Hegseth allows National Guard to boost DC patrols with military vehicles, boats and patrol cars Politics Nov 5, 2026 6:31 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed off on the National Guard ramping up its presence in the nation's capital in military vehicles and boats as troops deepen their integration with local law enforcement. WATCH: The effectiveness and cost of the National Guard deployment in D.C. In two memos signed Oct. 29 and obtained by The Associated Press, Hegseth approved the National Guard to use 60 military police cars as well as tactical vehicles, patrol boats and portable light towers during increased patrols around Washington. Troops will also be able to carry rifles during some operations but not in Metro rail stations. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error…
Hegseth allows National Guard to boost DC patrols with military vehicles, boats and patrol cars
In short
Under newly signed memos, uniformed National Guard personnel will conduct joint anti-gang and drug operations while utilizing dozens of tactical vehicles and two patrol boats. While troops are now authorized to carry rifles, defense leadership rejected requests for helicopter support and forbade high-speed vehicle pursuits. The operational expansion persists alongside internal disciplinary challenges, including troop arrests over unauthorized weapons, as nearly 3,100 Guard members remain stationed in the capital.
Key points
- The expanded military footprint maintains an overall personnel cap of 3,500 service membe…: The expanded military footprint maintains an overall personnel cap of 3,500 service members under the ongoing capital security initiative.
- The U.S. Marshals Service secured troop protection for federal leaders but was denied acc…: The U.S. Marshals Service secured troop protection for federal leaders but was denied access to helicopters for the mission.
- Heightened patrols are taking place despite recent internal safety issues, including the…: Heightened patrols are taking place despite recent internal safety issues, including the shooting of a Guardsman intervening in an altercation.