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onetexan

(12,994 posts)
Wed Jan 13, 2021, 08:17 PM Jan 2021

Photos show National Guard troops sleeping on Capitol floors ahead of impeachment vote

https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/photos-show-national-guard-troops-sleeping-on-marble-floors-of-capitol-ahead-of-impeachment-vote/

"Much of the online reaction questioned why the troops were not provided more comfortable sleeping arrangements."

In the least, why aren't our troops even provided some sleeping bags?
One of our sons is a Marine. It pains me to see pictures of our military having to sleep on the cold floors of the Capitol without even a blanket
13 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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VladmireTrumpkins

(370 posts)
2. Last time was during the Civil War
Wed Jan 13, 2021, 08:18 PM
Jan 2021

and now I know how Unionists felt back then when they realize the country was under attack from within..

Irish_Dem

(45,638 posts)
3. That floor at any second could be a battlefield. Cots, blankets, sleeping bags
Wed Jan 13, 2021, 08:22 PM
Jan 2021

could be a safety hazard. Could be used as weapons by the enemy, used to start fires, used to smother troops, etc.

No mother wants to learn her child was killed by a cot her child slept on....

onetexan

(12,994 posts)
7. Thank you for that insight. My concern is the troops will need to be there for several weeks so
Wed Jan 13, 2021, 08:36 PM
Jan 2021

i can't imagine them having to sleep coverless on the cold hard floor like that.

Irish_Dem

(45,638 posts)
10. It is possible that there are troop replacements in the nearby barracks.
Wed Jan 13, 2021, 08:47 PM
Jan 2021

They may be doing shifts.

I assume this is the on duty shift and they are resting, not sleeping for the night.

I was not in the military but grew up as an Air Force brat.

I lived on SAC bases with men on call 24/7 on the flight line feet from their planes.
They lounged around like this, sleeping, napping, etc.
But they could be out on the runway in minutes if the alarm sounded.

Edit to add: Also these troops in the Capitol don't have to stand at attention, or stand at all.
They can lounge, nap, sit up, etc. They have heavy uniforms and backpacks for their heads.

onetexan

(12,994 posts)
6. Thank you Cha. I wasn't able to post the pic.
Wed Jan 13, 2021, 08:34 PM
Jan 2021

I'm hoping some local organization, benefactor or celebrity will step up and send sleeping bags to the troops since they'll be camped out for several weeks in DC.

Cha

(295,914 posts)
11. That would be Great.. but
Wed Jan 13, 2021, 08:49 PM
Jan 2021

I would think they could bring their own sleeping bags! Could there be a rule against them?!

They're tough sleeping on the floor like that.. but they have to be.. they're NG.

bluestarone

(16,722 posts)
5. WTF?
Wed Jan 13, 2021, 08:29 PM
Jan 2021

Why is this happening? Maybe to get the NG. angry before the inauguration? What can be done about this?

dutch777

(2,871 posts)
8. If the article is accurate, it sounds like photo was Wednesday AM business hours
Wed Jan 13, 2021, 08:36 PM
Jan 2021

From my military experience, we moved when we were told to move and if that word came down at 4AM, we moved at 4AM. And we may have spent 8 or more hours up in front of that gathering gear and reviewing The Plan before we were even ready to move. In short, I wouldn't assume these folks are on a 9 to 5 schedule-- its really 24/7. It is possible they were just staged in, didn't get a lot of sleep if they were mobilizing the day/night before and then in transit overnight and were told to rest best they can in advance of the debate and vote in the House, but they were at their post. Tonight, assuming they are more or less staying put, you could expect their full gear will catch up with them and they will have cots or air mattresses and sleeping bags. I spent many a nap, catch as catch can in my jeep seat, against a tree or stretched out on the ground, and sometimes that was all we had for days on end when things were happening. It is nice that you are concerned though as all too many of us take their service and sacrifice for granted!

onetexan

(12,994 posts)
9. Thank you for your insight. Yes i realize that out in the field or in deployment the troops
Wed Jan 13, 2021, 08:44 PM
Jan 2021

likely will not have accommodations. But given this is the Capitol and the fact they will be there for a few weeks i would have thought at least cots, sleeping bags & blankets would be provided.

dutch777

(2,871 posts)
12. You are right, they should. The military is powerful but things take WAY more time to organize...
Wed Jan 13, 2021, 09:05 PM
Jan 2021

...than you might think or hope. As they are National Guard they weren't just sitting on a base, they reported to their base from home or work, gathered their gear (which for Reserve and National Guard is not always as organized and ready as one might hope) and had to come up to speed on whatever the mission orders and details are. From reports this was not really anticipated as necessary and the generals and even civilian law enforcement leadership pooh poohed the need to even dispatch troops for last Wednesday. ("Bad optics" I think was why they thought it was a bad idea. To be discussed again later with Nancy et. al., I am sure). This is a combined operation and the Secret Service will ultimately be in charge as the real goal is to be ready for the Inauguration. And its DC Police, NG, Capitol Police, National Park Police and probably FBI and a bunch of other alphabet agencies all having to come into alignment. Reading between the lines, while it sounds like they have a good plan that includes a very set back solid fenced perimeter from the actual event, road blocks and checkpoints beyond that controlling what and who is going into the city and other measures to limit crowds and keep things like truck bombs far away or intercepted, I think the plan is not off the shelf and was developed since last Wednesday. That takes time and leaves folks like the National Guard waiting for clear direction as to what they need to prepare for and where they need to be. I am just glad they are there!

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