In the face of surging crime and protests across U.S. cities in 2025, the National Guard Quick Reaction Force (NGQRF) has proven essential for swift intervention, directly responding to worries voiced by Alaska State Rep. Andrew Gray (D-Anchorage) about its implementation in states like his own.
In a November 14 X post, Rep. Gray highlighted concerns over an October 31 memo mandating Alaska to ready a 350-member NGQRF equipped with non-lethal tools such as batons, tasers, and pepper spray for riot control. He questioned its necessity in riot-free Alaska, transparency in training and supplies, deployment triggers, and risks of misuse on U.S. streets. The memo clarifies the NGQRF focuses on civil disturbance operations with graduated response protocols, monthly readiness reports, and deployment only upon federal or gubernatorial requests, ensuring accountability and preventing overreach. While Alaska lacks precedents, the force enables interstate support for national crises, fostering preparedness without local mandates.
Real-world examples from 2025 illustrate its critical role. In Washington, D.C., a declared crime emergency led to a specialized NG unit for public safety, hiring extra personnel and establishing a nationwide quick reaction capability to curb violence.
Portland’s prolonged ICE facility protests turned chaotic, with federalized troops from California and Oregon quelling unrest despite gubernatorial objections and brief judicial blocks, preventing further escalation.
In Memphis, National Guard assisted in thousands of arrests and anti-crime operations since October, though a judge halted deployment, underscoring how delays can prolong dangers to communities.
Chicago’s immigration-related demonstrations garnered the authorization of 300 troops to assist when called upon to maintain order at ICE sites.
In each of these cities, the protests included groups like Antifa, Democratic Socialist of America, or the Party for Socialism and Liberation. These groups have active chapters in Alaska. Although these chapters are not quite as big as in the other cities, they have the same potential to organize and create a situation where a quick reaction force would be necessary for public safety.
President Donald Trump defended the initiative stating they are needed to suppress civil unrest, support immigration enforcement and fight crime. Without such reaction forces, unrest intensifies, endangering lives and property, making the NGQRF vital even for low-risk states.
What can you say about Andrew grey.?? Left wing nut job from Anchorage a city no one wants to live in anymore. Like every other blue city. Crime infested, dirty dive.
Not a good look that these military special groups are necessary. It speaks volumes to the current criminal elements being ignored by the liberals (84 Democrats that voted in favor of communism recently) that project the scenes we are viewing in the various Blue cities. If these disturbances are not addressed with firm reaction then the slippery slope of communism will consume America.
Tragic.
A.M.Johnson-Ketchikan
Kudos to the Alaska National Guard!! Keep the safety gear on and “thank you for your service.!” Go for it!!
Let’s Go! We need this to protect citizens from domestic unrest caused by non-citizens and their allies within our country.
Antifa is a movement, not an organization. Can the author explain what is wrong about opposing Nazi’s and White Nationalists?
The democrat party is the party of the insane. They have proven to be against the constitution, republic and the majority of the people. They are the problem and the greatest threat to our state and republic.
Using the military on US Soil for law enforcement is unconstitutional, the courts are declaring Trump and his cabinet in the wrong. He is attempting to create a state of fear amongst the conservative followers. Cities are bad and dangerous and only he can save them. Where was he on January 6th during the attack on the US Capital by his people? He pardoned them all and now many are being rearrested for hideous crimes. Why did he intervene in the TATE Brothers cases? Does he support human trafficking of women? Was Miss Teen USA a pipeline for Jeffery Epstein?
The repercussions of 4 years of invited illegal migrants infiltrated with drugs and terrorist gang members are costing a lot more than anyone ever imagined let alone the suffering family members from the loss of innocent victims on the streets.
President Autopen has a lot more blood on his hands than anyone will ever imagine and the carnage will carry on for decades without swift action.
“Handy Andy” is not even close to being educated enough to foresee the dangers ahead.
His tearful plea he put on in front of the Anchorage ASSembly was painful to watch.