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MEDIA ALERT
May 31, 2020
Contact: Lt. Col. Brian L. Mason
State Public Affairs Officer
Arkansas National Guard
501-212-5020 / 501-590-0318
ng.ar.ararng.mbx.daily-guard@mail.mil
Governor directs Guardsmen to support law enforcement
~ National Guard Reactionary Force assists with civil unrest
WHO: The Arkansas National Guard
WHAT: By order of the Governor, has mobilized Soldiers and Airmen to support state and
local law enforcement
WHEN: May 31, 2020, thru a date to be determined
WHERE: Arkansas Capitol area and various locations around the state
WHY: As of TIME, approximately 100 Guard Soldiers and Airmen were activated in
response to civil disturbances and unrest. The National Guard Reactionary Force consists of
Soldiers from the 216th Military Police Company, and Airmen from the 188th Security Forces
Squadron and the 189th Security Forces Squadron. These Guardsmen are specifically trained
and equipped to assist state and local authorities with a variety of missions to include traffic
control, crowd stabilization, and upholding the rule of law.
State and local law enforcement agencies remain responsible for security. The National Guard
personnel assigned to these missions are trained, equipped and prepared to assist law
enforcement authorities with protecting lives and property of citizens in Arkansas. Guardsmen
are an excellent response force to provide a sense of peace and calming assistance as they live
and work in the communities they serve, and are there to protect their neighbor’s right to protest
peacefully.
The Governor has used Guard members many times during response efforts to support local
and state officials in a wide range of capacities. There are currently approximately 60 Soldiers
and Airmen working State Active Duty missions in support of the Arkansas Department of
Health and other state and local partners in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. The
situation is fluid so numbers and specific locations can change rapidly.
While conditions may change, the National Guard's ability to respond is constant.
The Arkansas National Guard assumes support roles to augment civil authorities, where needed
and directed by the Governor, to help in a crisis.
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