Wisconsin National Guard troops assisting civil authorities in multiple Wisconsin communities

Hundreds of Citizen Soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard are on duty across Wisconsin assisting civil authorities as they work to preserve public safety and the ability of individuals to exercise their rights to peacefully demonstrate.

Wisconsin National Guard troops were on duty supporting civil authorities in Milwaukee, Madison, and Kenosha overnight May 31 into June 1.

Troops have active and ongoing support missions in Milwaukee, Madison, and Kenosha today and hundreds more continue to stand ready to assist in other communities across Wisconsin, if local authorities request National Guard assistance.

Wisconsin National Guard troops mobilized to state active duty May 30 when Wisconsin’s adjutant general mobilized approximately 125 troops to assist authorities in Milwaukee after receiving a directive from Gov. Tony Evers. Civil authorities in Milwaukee made a request to the state for National Guard assistance after civil unrest unfolded in Milwaukee. Civil unrest also occurred in Madison the following evening, prompting an additional request for assistance from local authorities in Madison for National Guard support beginning the evening of May 31. Likewise, civil authorities in Kenosha requested National Guard assistance late May 31 to assist in preserving public safety there.

Since the initial request for Guard assistance May 30, hundreds of Wisconsin National Guard troops have mobilized to state active duty to assist in Wisconsin communities, if needed, and additional troops were alerted to be ready to mobilize, if civil authorities requested further assistance.

Serving the state, local communities, and Wisconsin’s citizens during times of need is one of the National Guard’s core missions. The Wisconsin National Guard responds at the request of, and in support of, civil authorities, and its troops serve in a support role as a resource that is available during times of emergency.

Approximately 10,000 Soldiers and Airmen make up the Wisconsin National Guard. More than 1,200 remain mobilized across Wisconsin supporting the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and more than 500 are mobilized in places like Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa in support of the Guard’s federal missions overseas as the primary combat reserve of the Army and Air Force.