The DC National Guard (DCNG) has inaugurated a new unit to protect civil authorities and infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
The 260th Special Purpose Brigade was formally launched in early March during a ceremony at the DC Armory, where its colors were uncased, marking the unit’s official entry into service.
Created following Executive Order 14339 and advice from the Department of Defense, the group will serve as a central office that will push interoperability between military forces and public security agencies, reinforcing safety in the US capital.
‘Critical Command and Control Structure’
According to the DCNG, the unit’s insignia reflects its heritage, featuring a design modeled after the coat of arms of George Washington’s family. Elements of the symbol were also used by its predecessor, the 260th Military Police Command, which was deactivated in 2011.
The brigade also highlights the DCNG’s unique federal role, which requires it to report directly to the president rather than to a state or territorial governor.
Brig. Gen. Craig Maceri, land component commander for the DCNG, presided over the ceremony.
“The activation of the 260th Special Purpose Brigade represents the deliberate execution of national guidance,” he remarked.
“This unit provides the critical command and control structure that enables us to execute a broad spectrum of scalable operations while effectively integrating with our federal and district partners.”
Retaining Legacy
Sgt. 1st Class Jurgen Soekhoe, liaison officer for Joint Task Force–DC, said the cooperation between law enforcement and the National Guard promoted under the newly established unit is vital in the district.
“Partnerships like this are essential in Washington,” he said.
“The 260th Special Purpose Brigade brings a level of coordination and readiness that allows federal law enforcement and the National Guard to operate as a unified team when security demands it.”
Col. Lawrence Doane, commander of the brigade, described the development as a significant milestone, saying the unit’s structure allows for continuous coordination with partner organizations while staying ready to quickly scale up operations if needed.
“This brigade gives us an operational foundation for unity of effort,” Doane said.
“It represents our commitment to protecting every person who sets foot in the Nation’s Capital.”
