Foreign Policy

National Guard argues against federalizing for coronavirus response, 2,000 now under governors’ control

By Abraham Mahshie
Published March 19, 2020 5:30pm ET
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National Guard argues against federalizing for coronavirus response, 2,000 now under governors’ control
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 03: Louisiana Air National Guard soldiers distribute supplies to residents at a Point of Distribution center on September 3, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Around 240,000 residents remain without power in Louisiana following Hurricane Isaac. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) | Mario Tama

The chief of the National Guard Bureau argued vehemently today against federalizing the 450,000-member force and keeping units under the control of governors.

“With COVID-19, it’s like we have 54 separate hurricanes in every state, territory, and the District of Columbia,” Guard leader Air Force Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel said at a Pentagon briefing this morning, equating the pandemic response to the typical role of the Guard in supporting natural disaster responses.

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Colorado COVID-19 Department of Defense (Department of War) National Guard New York Rhode Island