Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told National Guard leaders on February 25, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia, that the force is central to implementing the 2026 National Defense Strategy, with priorities including homeland defense, border security, and global deterrence, according to remarks released by the War Department.
He said Guard units have supported southern border operations, domestic security missions, and international partnerships.
The address was delivered at the Herbert R. Temple Army National Guard Readiness Center to adjutants general from all states, territories, and the District of Columbia, along with senior National Guard Bureau leaders, highlighting the Guard’s role across domestic and overseas missions.
Homeland Defense and Border Operations
Southern Border Support and Domestic Missions
Hegseth said more than 18,000 National Guardsmen have supported operations along the U.S.-Mexico border since January 2025, contributing to what the War Department described as the lowest level of border crossings in over 50 years. The deployment aims to reinforce federal border security agencies and maintain operational control of the frontier.
Additionally, the secretary emphasized that border control is foundational to national sovereignty, linking the Guard’s domestic mission directly to deterrence objectives.
The real-world effect includes expanded surveillance, logistics support, and manpower for law enforcement operations, while the broader strategy reflects a focus on homeland-first defense priorities.
Meanwhile, National Guard units continue to support disaster response and emergency operations nationwide. Their dual state-federal role enables rapid deployment during crises, providing capabilities that civilian agencies may lack during large-scale emergencies.
Crime Reduction and Community Security Missions
Support to Law Enforcement in Major Cities
Hegseth cited deployments in cities including Memphis, New Orleans, and Washington as contributing to reductions in violent crime, according to War Department statements referencing recent federal reporting. Guard personnel worked alongside local law enforcement agencies to provide security presence and operational support.
Additionally, the secretary noted that Guard visibility can reassure communities during periods of instability, similar to disaster-response deployments.
The practical effect includes increased patrol capacity and infrastructure protection, while the policy intent is to stabilize urban environments experiencing surges in violence.
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Border deployment | 18,000+ Guardsmen assigned | War Department statement on southern border operations |
| Urban security missions | Expanded presence in major cities | Support to local law enforcement cited by War Department |
| National Guard personnel | Approximately 435,000 members | Total force size reported by the War Department |
- Public safety focus: Guard deployments intended to support law enforcement operations, according to War Department briefing materials
- Community reassurance: Visible military presence cited as stabilizing factor during crises by department officials
Military Capabilities and Force Structure
Missile Defense, Air Defense, and Cyber Operations
The secretary emphasized that National Guard units operate critical homeland defense systems, including defensive interceptor missiles capable of countering intercontinental ballistic missile threats, according to the War Department.
Air National Guard personnel also operate most Aerospace Alert Control sites in coordination with the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
Additionally, the Guard sustains missions in counter-drug operations and cyber defense, providing specialized capabilities across multiple domains.
With about 435,000 personnel, the Guard represents roughly 20% of the joint force while accounting for about 4% of the department’s budget, demonstrating a cost-effective structure.
In Conclusion
Hegseth’s remarks framed the National Guard as a cornerstone of U.S. defense strategy, combining domestic security, military readiness, and international engagement roles.
The Guard’s ability to operate both within the United States and abroad positions it as a flexible component of national power.
Future effectiveness will depend on sustained training, coordination with federal and state authorities, and continued investment in capabilities.
However, current operations illustrate how the Guard supports deterrence and homeland security simultaneously.
Sources: War Department, National Guard Bureau, and White House.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News,
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