Vermont National Guard to support Operation Capitol Response

Photo By Staff Sgt. Barbara Pendl | The second wave departs from the starting line during a Spur Ride hosted by 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment (Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vt., Sept. 6, 2020. Teams must carry rucks and sustainment supplies around a designated route during the first leg of the race. The, “Order of the Spur,” is a long-standing, U.S. Army Cavalry tradition that Troopers may join after passing evaluations set by the command or by serving in combat with a Cavalry unit. The Spur Ride is the culminating event of the Order’s evaluation sequence. Traditionally, Troopers receive spurs from a sponsor and become Master Spur Holders upon gaining both silver and gold spurs. In some units, gold spurs are awarded for combat inductions while silver spurs represent completion of the Spur Ride. Within the tradition, spurs hold similar prestige for the Cavalry as the Expert Infantryman Badge holds for U.S. Army Infantry. (U.S. Army National Guard photograph by Staff Sgt. Barbara Pendl)  

COLCHESTER, VERMONT, UNITED STATES

01.14.2021

Story by Maj. J. Scott Detweiler 

Joint Force Headquarters - Vermont National Guard Public Affairs

TAG Release 21-01

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Vermont National Guard to support Operation Capitol Response

COLCHESTER, Vt. – Approximately 100 Vermont Army National Guard Soldiers will support operations in Washington D.C. ahead of the Presidential Inauguration.

The Vermont Soldiers are predominantly from 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain).

“We swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, adjutant general, Vermont National Guard. “We are honored to play our part in securing one of the most time honored traditions in American history: the Presidential Inauguration.”

The Guard worked with Governor Phil Scott to ensure Vermont could assist in this mission without impacting its support of the state’s COVID-19 response or other state needs.

The Governor approved the mission, saying: “After the tragic events at our Capitol on January 6, we must do all we can to secure a peaceful transition of power on Inauguration Day. I am grateful to the brave men and women of the Vermont National Guard for their service and doing their part during this deployment to protect our republic and the democratic values we hold dear.”

The element from Vermont joins nearly 20,000 National Guard service members deployed to provide security, communications, medical evacuation, logistics, and safety support to district and federal agencies. The public’s safety is the top priority of the National Guard, members will meet the requirements of the supported civil authorities, posturing with protective equipment, weapons and live-ammunition.

"Our Soldiers have been preparing for upcoming deployments over the last two years, as a result they are among the most trained and ready in the country," said Col. Brey Hopkins, commander, 86th IBCT (MTN). “I know they will represent Vermont and the 86th IBCT (MTN) well on this historic day.”

All Service members deployed in support of Operation Capitol Response will follow COVID-19 protocols in accordance with Center for Disease Control guidelines and may quarantine upon their return from the Capitol region.

For more information contact Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs Officer; Capt. Mike Arcovitch, [phone], or [e-mail].

###

• Date Taken: 01.14.2021
• Date Posted: 01.14.2021 10:41
• Story ID: 386938
• Location: COLCHESTER, VERMONT, US