National Guard Members Prepare for Presidential Inauguration | cnbnews.net

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy
National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 14, 2012 – Around 6,000 Army and Air National Guard members from 15 states and territories are preparing to take part in and support the 57th Presidential Inauguration, according to National Guard officials.

Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Scott Hinds, with the District of Columbia Air National Guard, walks along a large-scale map of Washington, D.C., while giving a briefing about the 57th Presidential Inauguration at the District of Columbia Armory, Dec. 12, 2013. The D.C. National Guard has participated in every presidential inauguration since 1861. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Army Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, District of Columbia National Guard commanding general, said National Guard members will report to the District of Columbia, and then disperse to several parts of the city to support inauguration events.

The Presidential Inauguration will be held Jan. 21, 2013.

Many of those 6,000 soldiers and airmen, who will join an additional 7,000 service members from other military services, will support local authorities, the general said.

\”Most of the National Guard members will be outside of the parade route,\” he said. \”There are a few, about 300, that will be involved in the ceremony and the parade.\”

Guard members will assist largely in traffic control, crowd management, and communications and medical support, Schwartz said. Over the past few months, he added, the D.C. Guard has worked with local and federal officials and agencies in planning for the event.

\”We are working closely with the D.C. emergency management agencies, the Park Police, the active-duty military components and the United States Secret Service who are all performing the duties of the inauguration,\” he said.