GannonFan wrote: ↑Fri Jan 22, 2021 2:39 pm
They also weren't asked for in a timely manner. I'm pretty sure the Capitol Police made it clear they didn't think they would be required in the leadup to this. No doubt they were delayed once they realized they needed to be called in, but we certainly blew it in terms of assessing the threat prior to it happening.
Calling up the National Guard is not something that just happens...
When there is a predicted storm/hurricane, alert orders are sent out telling Guard members to be prepared...
When something like Jan 6th happens, you can’t just call a National Guard 911 line and poof, a bunch of Guard members show up...
Remember, these folks are part-time volunteers...they have jobs...
When the call went out on Jan 6th in Maryland, for example, the Guard members were working...
They had to get the recall message...leave work and go home to get their uniforms...then report to their local armory...
There, they were issued the equipment needed for the mission...and there was part of the delay...
When the Capital Police finally decided they needed help, they told DOD “Send the Guard”...they didn’t tell DoD what they wanted...did they want riot control troops...medics...transportation...air support...WHAT DID THEY NEED?
It took DoD about an hour, I’m told, to get the “requirement”...then transmit it to the Maryland Guard...which started the recall I outlined above...
So, once the Guard troops are mustered at their local Armories, they have to get transportation because each Armory doesn’t have trucks/busses just sitting there...
If you aren’t aware, the Guard was offered prior to the demonstration, and both the Capital Police and the Mayor of DC pretty much turned the offer down...the Mayor was clear that she didn’t want a military presence