When Soldiers March in Parades: The Military’s Hidden Role in America’s Biggest Events

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Every four years, millions of Americans watch the Presidential Inauguration and see crisp lines of military honor guards, hear the stirring music of military bands, and witness the pageantry that has marked the peaceful transfer of power since George Washington’s first swearing-in.

They don’t see is the massive security operation happening simultaneously—thousands of soldiers and airmen providing everything from bomb detection to air defense, all under the command of civilian agencies.

This dual role captures the unique challenge of military involvement in American democracy: how to provide both the ceremonial grandeur that honors our traditions and the sophisticated security that protects our leaders, while never crossing the line into military control of civilian affairs.

From Presidential Inaugurations to political conventions, from State of the Union addresses to state funerals, the Department of Defense plays a crucial but carefully constrained role in America’s most important moments. Understanding this role means understanding how democracy balances the need for military capabilities with the imperative of civilian control.

The result is a complex system where the world’s most powerful military serves as both honor guard and bodyguard for the nation’s democratic institutions, always in support, never in command.

The Delicate Balance: Ceremony Meets Security

The military’s role at major national events embodies a fundamental tension in American democracy. On one hand, these occasions demand the pomp and pageantry that honor our democratic traditions and the peaceful transfer of power. On the other hand, they require sophisticated security measures to protect against modern threats that local police simply cannot handle alone.

The Historical Foundation

Military participation in national ceremonies traces back to the very beginning of the republic. When George Washington took his first oath of office in 1789, members of the Continental Army and local militias escorted him to the ceremony in New York City. This wasn’t about security—it was about symbolism, demonstrating the military’s respect for civilian authority and the new constitutional order.

Over more than two centuries, this ceremonial role has remained remarkably consistent. Military bands still play at inaugurations, honor guards still present colors, and artillery units still fire ceremonial salutes. These traditions connect modern America to its founding principles, providing continuity and dignity to democratic rituals.

The Modern Security Reality

But the security environment has changed dramatically. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, shattered assumptions about American homeland security and forced a complete rethinking of how to protect major events. What had been primarily ceremonial occasions suddenly required fortress-like security.

The challenge became how to maintain the open, democratic character of these events while protecting against sophisticated threats ranging from coordinated terrorist attacks to lone wolf violence to cyberattacks. Local police departments, no matter how professional, simply lack the resources and specialized capabilities needed for this level of protection.

The Civilian-Led Solution

The American solution preserves democratic principles by ensuring civilian agencies always lead security operations. The military provides capabilities—explosive detection, communications, transportation, medical support—but never takes command. The Secret Service, FBI, and other civilian agencies develop the security plans and make the operational decisions.

This structure matters enormously. When military personnel provide security at the Capitol or patrol the National Mall, they’re following civilian orders and civilian priorities. They’re tools in civilian hands, not independent actors pursuing military objectives.

The Legal Architecture: Why the Military Can’t Take Charge

The military’s supporting role isn’t just traditional—it’s legally mandated by a framework of laws designed to prevent the militarization of American democracy.

The Posse Comitatus Foundation

The bedrock of this system is the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which makes it a federal crime to use military forces for domestic law enforcement unless specifically authorized by Congress or the Constitution.

This law emerged from the bitter experience of Reconstruction, when federal troops occupied the former Confederacy for more than a decade after the Civil War. By 1878, military governance had become deeply unpopular across the political spectrum, leading Congress to prohibit the use of federal forces as domestic police.

The practical effect today is clear: military personnel at national events cannot arrest civilians, conduct searches, or perform other law enforcement functions. They can provide support—logistics, communications, specialized technical capabilities—but civilian agencies must handle actual law enforcement.

Congressional Exceptions

Congress has created narrow exceptions allowing specific types of military support for civilian law enforcement. Title 10, Chapter 15 permits the military to:

• Share intelligence collected during military operations
• Loan equipment and facilities to civilian agencies
• Provide training and expert advice
• Support civilian agencies with specialized capabilities

Crucially, this support cannot involve “direct participation” in law enforcement activities like arrests or searches. The military can transport civilian police to a scene but cannot make arrests themselves.

Defense Support of Civil Authorities: The Framework

All military domestic operations fall under Defense Support of Civil Authorities—a comprehensive framework that governs when, how, and why the military can help civilian agencies.

DoD Directive 3025.18 establishes the core principle: the military almost always acts in support of a lead civilian agency. Whether it’s FEMA during disasters, the Secret Service during inaugurations, or the FBI during security operations, civilian agencies call the shots.

This support is “crisis-driven, not mission-driven.” The military doesn’t maintain units specifically for domestic operations. Instead, it adapts its existing warfighting capabilities to meet civilian needs when requested.

The Six-Criteria Test

Before approving any domestic support mission, Pentagon leaders evaluate requests against six strict criteria:

Legality: Does the mission comply with Posse Comitatus and other laws?

Lethality: What’s the risk of armed confrontation involving military personnel?

Risk: What are the safety dangers to deployed forces?

Cost: Who pays, and what’s the budget impact?

Appropriateness: Should the military be doing this, or could civilians handle it?

Readiness: Will the mission hurt the military’s ability to fight wars overseas?

These aren’t bureaucratic hurdles—they’re institutional safeguards ensuring military domestic operations remain exceptional rather than routine.

Emergency Authorities

The most dramatic exception to Posse Comitatus is the Insurrection Act, which allows the President to deploy federal troops for domestic law enforcement during extreme emergencies like insurrections or when constitutional rights are being violated and local authorities cannot restore order.

The Insurrection Act has been invoked sparingly—most notably during the 1957 Little Rock school integration crisis and the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Each invocation requires the President to issue a public proclamation, forcing accountability and political scrutiny.

The Ultimate Event: Presidential Inaugurations

Presidential Inaugurations represent the gold standard of military support for national events, combining maximum ceremonial grandeur with maximum security requirements.

A Tradition of Military Honor

The military’s inaugural role began with Washington and has continued unbroken for over 230 years. This participation symbolizes the military’s respect for civilian authority and the peaceful transfer of power—fundamental principles of American democracy.

The ceremonial elements remain remarkably consistent across centuries:

• Military bands providing music for the ceremony and parade
• Honor guards presenting colors and maintaining ceremonial formations
• Artillery units firing ceremonial salutes
• The famous “Pass in Review” where the new President first reviews the troops as Commander-in-Chief

These traditions matter because they visually demonstrate military subordination to civilian authority. When the President reviews troops, it’s not a military leader asserting dominance—it’s a civilian leader accepting command responsibility.

The Modern Security Challenge

But modern inaugurations are also National Special Security Events requiring unprecedented security measures. The January 6, 2021 Capitol attack and the 2021 inauguration’s unique security challenges highlighted just how complex these operations have become.

Recent inaugurations have involved:

• Nearly 8,000 military personnel from all service branches
• Thousands of National Guard members from multiple states
• Sophisticated air defense including fighter jets on alert
• Chemical, biological, and nuclear response teams
• Extensive bomb detection and explosive ordnance disposal capabilities

Joint Task Force-National Capital Region: The Command Center

The Pentagon manages inaugural support through Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, a standing command established after 9/11 specifically to coordinate military support for major events in the Washington area.

JTF-NCR serves as the military’s liaison to the civilian committees organizing the inauguration: the Presidential Inaugural Committee (appointed by the President-elect) and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (responsible for the Capitol ceremony).

The Three-Part Mission

Military inaugural support breaks down into three distinct but interconnected roles:

Ceremonial Support: The public face of military participation, including the elite military bands like “The President’s Own” Marine Band, precision drill teams, honor guards, and the ceremonial elements that have marked inaugurations for centuries.

Logistical Support: The massive behind-the-scenes operation including transportation (flying in thousands of personnel and equipment), communications (establishing secure networks for all participants), medical support (treating military personnel and providing emergency medical capabilities), and sustainment (feeding and housing thousands of service members).

Security Support: The least visible but most critical element, including National Guard personnel sworn in as special police to assist with crowd control, specialized teams for bomb detection and chemical/biological threats, air defense provided by NORAD, and consequence management capabilities for responding to major incidents.

Command and Control Complexity

One of the most challenging aspects of inaugural security is managing different types of military forces operating under different legal authorities:

Title 10 Forces: Active-duty military under federal command, subject to Posse Comitatus restrictions Title 32 National Guard: Federally funded but state-controlled Guard units that can perform law enforcement functions State Active Duty Guard: State-funded Guard units under complete state control

To unify these forces, the Pentagon often appoints a Dual-Status Commander—typically a National Guard general officer who simultaneously commands both federal and state military forces, ensuring unity of effort while respecting different legal authorities.

Behind the Scenes: Other Major Events

While inaugurations get the most attention, the military supports numerous other events that showcase the breadth and adaptability of this mission.

Political Conventions: Democracy’s Quadrennial Test

Republican and Democratic National Conventions are automatically designated National Special Security Events due to their political significance and target appeal. These events require sophisticated security while maintaining their character as political gatherings.

The military’s role focuses primarily on augmenting civilian law enforcement capabilities:

National Guard Support: Governors typically activate hundreds or thousands of Guard members to assist with traffic control, perimeter security, and crowd management. For the 2024 Republican Convention in Milwaukee, approximately 1,700 Guard members from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota provided support.

Specialized Capabilities: Military working dog teams provide explosive detection capabilities that civilian agencies may lack in sufficient numbers. During recent conventions, the military has coordinated over 100 K-9 teams from units across the country to sweep venues and screen attendees.

Air Defense: NORAD provides air defense through temporary flight restrictions and fighter aircraft on alert, protecting against airborne threats during the events.

State of the Union: The Annual Security Challenge

The State of the Union address presents a unique security scenario: the entire line of presidential succession plus Congress and Supreme Court justices gathered in a single room. While the physical footprint is smaller than an inauguration, the concentration of high-value targets is unparalleled.

The military’s primary contribution is air defense through Operation Noble Eagle, NORAD’s homeland air defense mission. During the speech, fighter jets maintain alert status while radar systems monitor restricted airspace over the National Capital Region.

Ground security remains primarily a civilian responsibility, led by the Secret Service in coordination with Capitol Police, but military capabilities provide backup and specialized support as needed.

International Summits: Global Security on American Soil

When the United States hosts major international gatherings like G7 or G20 summits, security requirements multiply exponentially. These events involve protecting not just American officials but dozens of foreign heads of state, each with their own security details and requirements.

The 2004 G8 Summit on Sea Island, Georgia, demonstrated the scale of military support for such events. Georgia Army and Air National Guard units provided:

• Perimeter patrols and access control
• Explosive detection and weapon sweeps
• Monitoring and crowd control for protest groups
• Coordination with international protective details

These events require extensive advance planning and coordination with foreign security services, making them among the most complex domestic military operations.

State Funerals: The Nation’s Final Salute

State funerals for former presidents represent the military’s most solemn ceremonial role. While security is important, these events emphasize military honors and traditions that pay final respects to former Commanders-in-Chief.

Military funeral honors include:

• Armed Forces body bearers to carry the flag-draped casket
• 21-gun salutes fired by ceremonial artillery units
• The caparisoned horse—a riderless horse with boots reversed in the stirrups, symbolizing a fallen warrior
• Flyovers featuring the poignant “missing man” formation
• Performances by the nation’s elite military bands

These ceremonies demonstrate the military’s adaptability, shifting from security operations to pure pageantry and remembrance as circumstances require.

The Human Element: Rules for Service Members

The institutional frameworks governing military support for national events ultimately depend on individual service members following strict rules of conduct that preserve military neutrality and professionalism.

Political Neutrality: The Bedrock Principle

American military effectiveness depends on maintaining the trust and confidence of all citizens regardless of political affiliation. This requires strict political neutrality, especially during politically charged events like elections and inaugurations.

DoD Directive 1344.10 governs political activities by military personnel. While encouraging civic participation like voting, it prohibits active-duty members from:

• Campaigning for partisan political candidates
• Speaking at partisan political gatherings
• Serving as officers of partisan political organizations
• Marching in partisan parades or demonstrations
• Using their military position to influence elections

The Uniform Rules

The rules create sharp distinctions between service members’ rights as private citizens and their responsibilities in official capacity:

Personal Rights: Service members can attend political rallies as private citizens, express political opinions on personal social media accounts (with limitations), place political bumper stickers on personal vehicles, and vote for candidates of their choice.

Official Restrictions: They cannot wear military uniforms to political events, display large political banners at military housing, use government equipment for political activities, or imply their views represent official DoD positions.

The Convention Exception: DoD policy makes one notable exception: joint Armed Forces color guards can participate in the opening ceremonies of Democratic and Republican national conventions. This is considered a non-partisan ceremonial gesture respecting the democratic process itself.

Rules of Engagement

When military personnel provide security support, they operate under strict rules governing the use of force. The Standing Rules for the Use of Force emphasize minimum necessary force and de-escalation.

Key principles include:

• Force only as last resort to counter hostile acts or demonstrated hostile intent
• Level of force must be reasonable and proportional
• Strong emphasis on non-lethal force for de-escalation
• Lethal force only when absolutely necessary to protect lives

These rules ensure military personnel remain in a supporting role even during security operations, avoiding the appearance of military law enforcement.

Technology and Coordination: The Modern Challenge

Supporting major national events requires sophisticated technology and coordination that pushes the boundaries of interagency cooperation.

Communication Systems

Modern events require seamless communication between dozens of agencies with different radio systems, protocols, and security requirements. The military often provides:

Interoperable Networks: Advanced communication systems that allow different agencies to communicate despite incompatible equipment

Secure Communications: Encrypted networks for sensitive operational information

Mass Notification: Systems capable of instantly alerting thousands of personnel across multiple agencies

Backup Systems: Redundant communications in case primary systems fail

Intelligence Integration

Effective security requires fusing intelligence from multiple sources:

Military Intelligence: Information from overseas operations and foreign intelligence services

Civilian Law Enforcement: Domestic threat information from FBI, local police, and other agencies

International Partners: Intelligence sharing with foreign security services protecting visiting dignitaries

Private Sector: Threat information from companies providing critical infrastructure

Surveillance and Detection

Modern events employ sophisticated surveillance and detection capabilities:

Biometric Systems: Advanced identification systems that can instantly check individuals against terrorist and criminal databases

Chemical/Biological Detection: Systems capable of detecting chemical or biological weapons in real-time

Cyber Security: Protection for the networks and systems supporting the event

Airspace Monitoring: Comprehensive radar coverage and air defense systems

Logistical Coordination

The scale of modern events requires military-grade logistics:

Transportation: Moving thousands of personnel and tons of equipment quickly and efficiently

Sustainment: Feeding, housing, and supporting thousands of service members for extended periods

Medical Support: Providing comprehensive medical care for military personnel and emergency medical capabilities for the event

Supply Chain Management: Coordinating complex supply requirements across multiple agencies and locations

International Perspectives: How Other Democracies Handle Security

The American model of civilian-led, military-supported security for major events isn’t universal. Different democratic countries have developed different approaches based on their own histories and constitutional structures.

The United Kingdom Model

British security for major events often involves more direct military participation than the American model. During events like royal weddings or state visits, British military personnel may have more prominent security roles, reflecting different legal traditions and constitutional arrangements.

However, the UK maintains strong civilian oversight through institutions like the Cabinet Office and Metropolitan Police, ensuring democratic accountability while allowing more flexible military involvement.

The Canadian Approach

As a parliamentary democracy with different civil-military traditions, Canada often employs its military more directly in domestic security roles. During major events like G7 summits, Canadian Forces may have primary security responsibilities in coordination with civilian police.

The Canadian model demonstrates that different democratic traditions can support different approaches to military involvement in domestic affairs, while maintaining democratic accountability.

The German Framework

Germany’s approach reflects its unique historical experience with military involvement in domestic affairs. German security for major events heavily emphasizes civilian police capabilities, with military involvement limited to very specific circumstances and subject to strict parliamentary oversight.

This demonstrates how historical experience shapes contemporary approaches to civil-military relations and domestic security.

Lessons for America

International comparisons highlight several key points about the American system:

Constitutional Specificity: The U.S. system reflects specific constitutional and legal traditions that may not translate directly to other democracies

Historical Experience: American approaches are shaped by particular historical experiences like Reconstruction and the Civil War

Effectiveness vs. Principle: Different democracies balance practical security needs against constitutional principles in different ways

Adaptability: Successful systems adapt to changing threats while maintaining core democratic values

Challenges and Controversies

The military’s role in major national events generates ongoing debates about appropriate limits, effectiveness, and democratic principles.

The Militarization Concern

Critics worry that expanded military involvement in domestic affairs risks normalizing military presence in civilian life and potentially undermining democratic institutions.

Key concerns include:

Scope Creep: The gradual expansion of military roles beyond their original intended scope

Public Perception: Whether visible military presence changes how Americans view the relationship between military and civilian authority

Resource Allocation: Whether domestic missions divert military resources from primary warfighting responsibilities

Constitutional Boundaries: How to maintain clear distinctions between military and civilian authority

The Effectiveness Argument

Supporters argue that military capabilities are essential for protecting major events against modern threats that overwhelm civilian resources.

Benefits include:

Unique Capabilities: Military assets that civilian agencies simply cannot match in scale or sophistication

Rapid Deployment: Ability to quickly mobilize large numbers of trained personnel and specialized equipment

Integrated Operations: Experience coordinating complex, multi-agency operations under pressure

Threat Response: Capabilities specifically designed to counter the types of sophisticated threats targeting major events

Specific Controversies

Recent events have highlighted tensions in the system:

January 6 and the 2021 Inauguration: The Capitol attack and subsequent inaugural security raised questions about military readiness, intelligence sharing, and coordination between agencies

Election Security: Debates over appropriate military roles in protecting election infrastructure and processes

Protest Responses: Questions about military involvement in responding to civil unrest and peaceful protests

Technology and Privacy: Concerns about military surveillance capabilities and their use in domestic contexts

Balancing Act

The ongoing challenge is balancing competing demands:

Security vs. Openness: Maintaining the democratic character of public events while providing adequate protection

Federal vs. Local: Respecting state and local authority while providing federal capabilities when needed

Military vs. Civilian: Harnessing military capabilities while maintaining civilian control

Tradition vs. Innovation: Preserving important ceremonial traditions while adapting to modern security requirements

Future Evolution: Adapting to New Challenges

The military’s role in supporting major national events continues evolving as new threats emerge and technology advances.

Emerging Threats

Cyber Attacks: Digital threats targeting event infrastructure, communications, and government systems require new types of military-civilian coordination

Drone Threats: Unmanned aerial systems present novel challenges for air defense and require new detection and response capabilities

Domestic Extremism: The rise of domestic violent extremism creates complex challenges for agencies traditionally focused on foreign threats

Climate Change: Increasing severe weather may require more extensive contingency planning and response capabilities

Hybrid Threats: Adversaries combining multiple attack methods require more sophisticated and integrated responses

Technological Evolution

Artificial Intelligence: AI systems may enhance threat detection and response coordination but also create new vulnerabilities

Quantum Computing: Quantum technologies may revolutionize both security capabilities and the threats they must counter

Social Media: Digital platforms create new challenges for monitoring threats and managing information during events

Biotechnology: Advances in biological sciences create both new protective capabilities and new potential threats

Organizational Adaptation

Joint Operations: Closer integration between military services and with civilian agencies

Reserve Component Roles: Expanded roles for National Guard and Reserve forces in domestic missions

Private Sector Integration: Greater coordination with private companies that own critical infrastructure

International Cooperation: Enhanced coordination with allied security services for international events

Legal and Policy Development

Congressional Oversight: Potential legislative changes to clarify authorities and update outdated laws

Judicial Review: Court decisions that may refine the boundaries of military domestic authority

Policy Updates: Regular revision of DoD directives and policies to address new challenges

Interagency Agreements: Formal agreements that clarify roles and responsibilities between agencies

Training and Preparation: Behind the Scenes Excellence

The seamless execution of military support for major events requires extensive training and preparation that most Americans never see.

Specialized Training Programs

Ceremonial Training: Elite military units undergo months of precision drill training to execute flawless ceremonies

Interagency Coordination: Joint training exercises that bring together military and civilian responders

Security Procedures: Specialized training in crowd control, VIP protection, and threat response

Equipment Proficiency: Training on sophisticated detection equipment, communication systems, and weapons

Rehearsals and Exercises

Full-Scale Rehearsals: Complete run-throughs of major events with all participants and equipment

Tabletop Exercises: Planning sessions that work through potential scenarios and response procedures

Equipment Testing: Verification that all systems work properly under operational conditions

Coordination Drills: Practice sessions for different agencies to work together effectively

Professional Development

Career Specialization: Military personnel who specialize in ceremonial duties and domestic support

Leadership Training: Developing officers capable of commanding complex, multi-agency operations

Technical Expertise: Building knowledge in specialized areas like explosive detection or cyber security

Cultural Competency: Understanding the political and cultural sensitivities of working in domestic environments

The Economic Impact

Military support for major national events represents a significant economic investment that generates both costs and benefits.

Direct Costs

Personnel Expenses: Salaries, overtime, and benefits for thousands of military personnel

Transportation: Moving personnel and equipment from bases across the country

Equipment Costs: Maintaining and operating sophisticated detection and communication systems

Infrastructure: Temporary facilities, security barriers, and communication networks

Reimbursement Mechanisms

Cost Recovery: Civilian agencies typically reimburse the military for most expenses under the Economy Act

Appropriated Funding: Some ceremonial and security functions are funded through regular DoD appropriations

State Responsibilities: States typically pay for National Guard support unless federally authorized

Economic Benefits

Local Economy: Major events generate significant economic activity in host cities

Tourism: High-profile events attract visitors and international attention

Infrastructure: Security preparations often result in lasting improvements to local infrastructure

Technology Development: Investment in security technology has broader applications

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Value Proposition: Whether military capabilities provide sufficient value to justify their cost

Alternative Costs: What it would cost to provide equivalent capabilities through civilian agencies

Opportunity Costs: Whether domestic missions detract from military readiness for overseas operations

Long-term Benefits: Whether investments in domestic capabilities provide lasting security improvements

Personal Stories: The Human Side of Service

Behind the statistics and policies are individual service members who take pride in serving their country during its most important moments.

The Honor Guard Perspective

Master Sergeant Maria Rodriguez has participated in five Presidential Inaugurations as part of the Air Force Honor Guard. “It’s the highest honor of my career,” she explains. “When you’re standing there representing not just the Air Force but the entire military, you feel the weight of history and tradition.”

The precision required is extraordinary. Honor guard members train for months, practicing movements until they become automatic. “Every step, every turn, every movement has to be perfect because the whole world is watching,” Rodriguez notes.

The Security Mission

Staff Sergeant James Williams served on a military working dog team providing explosive detection during the 2020 political conventions. “My dog and I swept hundreds of vehicles and dozens of buildings. It’s serious work—people’s lives depend on us finding anything dangerous.”

The coordination required is immense. “You’re working with Secret Service, FBI, local police, and other military units. Everyone has to know their role and trust each other completely,” Williams explains.

The Logistics Challenge

Captain Sarah Chen managed transportation and supply operations for a recent inauguration, coordinating the movement of 5,000 military personnel and their equipment. “It’s like moving a small city,” she describes. “Every person needs transportation, housing, food, and equipment. There’s no room for error.”

The complexity extends beyond basic logistics. “You’re dealing with security clearances, restricted airspace, limited parking, and dozens of different units with different requirements. It takes months of planning for a few days of execution.”

The Command Experience

Colonel Michael Thompson served as a Dual-Status Commander during a major hurricane response that coincided with a political convention. “You’re literally wearing two hats—commanding federal forces for the disaster response and state forces for the convention security. The legal authorities are different, the funding is different, but you have to make it work seamlessly.”

The responsibility is enormous. “Thousands of service members, millions of dollars in equipment, and the safety of civilians and officials all depend on your decisions. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding.”

Looking Forward: The Next Chapter

As America evolves, so too will the military’s role in supporting the nation’s most important events. The challenge will be maintaining the delicate balance between security and democracy, between military capability and civilian control, between tradition and innovation.

Maintaining Democratic Values

The success of American civil-military relations in the domestic context depends on continuing to prioritize democratic values over pure security considerations. This means:

Civilian Control: Ensuring civilian agencies always lead and make key decisions

Constitutional Limits: Respecting legal boundaries even when they create operational challenges

Public Accountability: Maintaining transparency and oversight of military domestic operations

Political Neutrality: Keeping the military above partisan politics and focused on serving the Constitution

Adapting to New Realities

At the same time, the system must adapt to new threats and challenges:

Evolving Threats: Responding to cyber attacks, drone threats, and other emerging challenges

Technology Integration: Leveraging new technologies while protecting privacy and civil liberties

International Coordination: Working with allies and partners to address global threats

Climate Adaptation: Preparing for the security implications of climate change

The Continuing Mission

The men and women who provide military support for major national events embody the best of American civil-military relations. They serve with pride and professionalism, understanding that their mission is not just about security or ceremony—it’s about preserving and protecting the democratic values that define America.

Whether they’re marching in an inaugural parade, providing security at a political convention, or paying final honors at a state funeral, these service members represent the military’s commitment to serving the Constitution and the American people. Their work ensures that democracy’s most important moments can unfold safely and with dignity, preserving the traditions that connect us to our founding while adapting to the challenges of the modern world.

In a time of increasing polarization and global threats, their mission has never been more important. They stand as guardians of democracy itself, ensuring that the peaceful transfer of power and the other rituals of democratic life can continue uninterrupted. Their service reminds us that military strength and democratic values need not be opposing forces—with proper safeguards and clear purposes, they can work together to preserve the freedoms that make America unique.

This is perhaps the most important lesson of the military’s role in major national events: that democracy is not just an idea but a practice that requires constant effort, careful preparation, and dedicated service to maintain. The soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and guardians who support these events are not just following orders—they are participating in the grand experiment of American democracy, ensuring that government of the people, by the people, and for the people continues to flourish for future generations.

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