Pentagon Plans for Quick Reaction Force to Counter Civil Unrest
Defense officials are reportedly developing a ‘Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force’ of National Guard troops capable of deploying nationwide within an hour. The plan, outlined in leaked documents for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calls for 600 troops on standby at two bases in Alabama and Arizona. The initiative, part of a broader trend of using military forces for domestic purposes under Trump’s administration, includes training, equipment, and 90-day rotations to prevent burnout.
The concept builds on previous deployments under Trump’s leadership, including the use of 5,000 National Guard members and Marines in Los Angeles to quell anti-immigration riots in June. Additional Guard troops have been sent to Washington, D.C. to assist law enforcement in addressing violent crime. These deployments have been justified under Title 32, which allows the National Guard to operate under state governors’ command while being federally funded, often for domestic missions such as disaster response.
The proposed quick reaction force would be trained, equipped with weapons and riot gear, and prepared to respond to civil unrest across the country. However, the documents also highlight potential concerns, including the balance between civil and military power, legal challenges, budget limitations, and the impact on local emergency response capabilities.
The National Guard has previously tested the idea ahead of the 2020 election, with 60 troops stationed in Arizona and Alabama for potential political violence. Recent deployments to address protests after George Floyd’s death further illustrate the evolving role of the military in domestic affairs. The plan reflects a growing emphasis on preparedness for potential civil disturbances, raising questions about the extent of federal involvement in local law enforcement.