Ohio Guard Members Question Recent Missions
Several members of the Ohio National Guard have expressed concern over recent deployments ordered in various U.S. cities. Through an encrypted group chat, the guardsmen discussed their apprehensions about the direction of these operations and their potential involvement in them.
The deployments, initiated by former President Donald Trump’s administration, were intended to strengthen security in multiple cities and protect federal facilities. However, some Guard members believe these missions differ from the humanitarian and community-oriented roles they originally signed up for.
One member, identified only as “J,” stated that operations in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Chicago raised discomfort within their unit. According to their account, the orders were unusually vague, leaving questions about mission objectives and duration.
Internal Debate About the Guard’s Role
Other members, referred to as “A” and “C,” echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that some of the assigned duties seemed inconsistent with the service values that drew them to the Guard. A few are even considering leaving the force if the deployments continue without clear justification.
The organization About Face, composed of active service members and veterans, reported that more than a hundred individuals have reached out seeking guidance about their roles in these deployments. The group noted that many service members fear retaliation for voicing their doubts.
Calls for Reflection and Responsibility
Ohio Guard members say they have felt growing public skepticism toward deployed forces and are reflecting on the ethical boundaries of their duties. Several stressed that their oath is to the Constitution rather than to any political leader, urging open discussion about the Guard’s place in domestic operations and its responsibility to uphold democratic principles.
