The decision by Gov. Jay Nixon, D-Mo., to deploy the National Guard to the troubled community of Ferguson has raised a lot of questions about these citizen soldier units. After serving with distinction numerous times in both Iraq and Afghanistan, units of the National Guard are well thought of as military fighting men. Can they also be helpful in situations like Ferguson? Here is some information to help increase understanding of these direct lineal descendants of the Minute Men.
Q: Why would the governor send the Missouri National Guard to Ferguson?
A: The National Guard have specialized training in crowd control and civil disturbances. Additionally, the message that is sent by the presence of the military units generally have a sobering effect on crowds that police (local or state level) might not have. They are the governor’s “biggest stick” and the final resort.
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