Eighty members of the Arkansas National Guard departed for Washington, D.C., this month as part of the ongoing “D.C. Safe and Beautiful” task force, officials announced. The rotation marks the sixth such deployment since December 2025.
The group, members of the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, will serve until February 12, replacing 60 members of their own unit and members of the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade. The outgoing personnel had spent several months engaged with the task force.
Arkansas has maintained a steady presence in the nation’s capital as part of this initiative, with 170 National Guard members currently deployed to aid efforts in reducing crime. The mission is part of a broader federal effort introduced under President Donald Trump.
The Arkansas National Guard held a departure ceremony for the new team on October 5.
The expanded use of National Guard troops in Washington has faced legal challenges, with both state and federal courts hearing cases addressing the initiative. The task force draws National Guard personnel from multiple states.
This story was originally reported with permission from the Arkansas Advocate.