INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – About 300 Indiana National Guard soldiers arrived in Washington, D.C., on Saturday to take part in the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission.
The troops will assist local and federal law enforcement, conduct community safety patrols, and manage traffic control points. Indiana National Guard Lt. Col. Derek Sutton said the mission’s goal is straightforward: to help ensure a safer environment for residents, workers, and visitors while supporting civil authorities and demonstrating the National Guard’s role as a bridge between the military and everyday Americans.
Soldiers from Indiana have been training at Camp Atterbury since November, focusing on response operations, crowd management, and de-escalation techniques. They will continue to train alongside the Joint Task Force once in D.C.
The deployment was authorized by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, and the incoming troops will relieve personnel who have been stationed in the capital since August 2025. Braun praised the Guardsmen for their readiness and service.
The assignment is expected to last up to four months.