1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the Pentagon's recent directive ordering the creation of 'quick reaction forces' within the National Guard of all 50 states, DC, and US territories. This alarming development, signed on October 8 by Maj Gen Ronald Burkett, represents a dangerous step towards the militarization of our domestic law enforcement. The order calls for training 23,500 troops nationwide in riot control techniques, including the use of batons, body shields, Tasers, and pepper spray. This unprecedented move aims to create a de facto national, militarized police force operational by January 1, 2026. Such a force poses a severe threat to our civil liberties and democratic processes, particularly given the potential for misuse during elections. This directive, which cites Donald Trump's August executive order deploying the guard to fight crime in Washington DC, goes far beyond any reasonable measure for maintaining public safety. It instead echoes troubling historical precedents when National Guard troops were frequently deployed to suppress protests, often with devastating consequences for civil rights and public trust. The creation of a specialized military police battalion within the DC National Guard is especially concerning, as it further blurs the line between military and civilian law enforcement in our nation's capital. This move, combined with the broader national directive, sets a dangerous precedent that could easily be exploited to intimidate citizens and suppress legitimate dissent. I urge you to take immediate action to halt this initiative. We must prevent the normalization of military forces for domestic law enforcement. Please investigate this directive, challenge its legality, and work to rescind it. Our democracy depends on maintaining clear distinctions between military and civilian roles, and this directive threatens to erode that crucial separation. Time is of the essence. With the Pentagon aiming to have these forces operational by 2026, we must act now to prevent this militarization from taking root. I implore you to speak out against this directive, introduce legislation to prohibit such use of the National Guard, and demand transparency from the Pentagon regarding the full scope and intentions of this program. Our communities need investment in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities – not a militarized force that threatens the very freedoms we hold dear. Please take a stand to protect our democratic principles and the rights of all citizens.