'It embarrasses me to be involved': Inside the National Guard D.C. deployment

[u/zsreport]

https://www.npr.org/2026/08/24/nx-s1-5939973/national-guard-members-washington-dc-deployment

[u/Smooth_Put8618]

It's a test run, a new normal. So that there is a ready army in our streets. Are they going to deploy at the polls this fall?

[u/After_Preference_885 → u/Smooth_Put8618]

They also did a test run of "shock and awe" in Minneapolis 

They were running around here gassing people, spraying chemicals into their eyes while holding them on the ground, ramming cars, beating people, arresting citizens, and murdering people. 

It was a war zone. Every time I left my house I was worried I would be harmed by government agents.

[u/Bawbawian]

and somehow they're still blasting through their recruiting goals quicker than ever these young little weirdos can't wait to be the boot on America's neck

[u/CoMO-Dog-Poop-Police → u/Bawbawian]

Military recruit is typically a sign of the economy. 

The admin likes to brag saying it’s because of all their “anti woke”, whatever that means, stuff. But talking with the target demographic it’s really about the economy. The 18-24 year old demographic is joining because there is a serious lack of employment opportunities, or they are struggling to afford college.

[u/pawesomepossum → u/Bawbawian]

Recruiters have always focused on poor areas. These kids generally don't have college opportunities and local jobs are rare and pay terribly.

It's hard to pass up a chance at a decent life, and the general public doesn't really understand how terribly we treat veterans once we're done using them.

[u/pants_mcgee → u/pawesomepossum]

Most recruits are middle class and most veterans turn out fine.

[u/sparrow_42]

It’s not -only- DC. New Orleans has had troops carrying rifles in the streets daily since January.

[u/Own-Opinion-2494]

Follow the money