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General Austin later added, “We can do a better job of screening out who we recruit.”
The FBI investigation into the Capitol rampage, still in its infancy, has identified at least six suspects with military ties among the more than 100 people who have been taken into federal custody or the most still under investigation. They include a retired Texas Air Force lieutenant colonel, a North Carolina Army officer, and a New Jersey Army reservist. Another person who served in the army was shot dead in the assault.
The military’s scrutiny of its ranks is a turning point for the Pentagon, which has a habit of downplaying the rise of white nationalism and right-wing activism, even as Germany and other countries find a deep-rooted pressure in their armed forces.
Federal officials examine thousands of National Guard members arriving to help secure the inauguration. Of the 25,000 Guard personnel who are in Washington, those who will be close to Mr. Biden or Ms. Harris will receive additional background checks, a standard procedure for countering insider threats that was also taken before the inauguration of Mr. Trump in 2017.
In addition to members of the National Guard, the Pentagon plans to deploy approximately 2,750 active duty personnel in support of the event. About 2,000 of them will perform ceremonies in military bands, color guards and a battery of saluting rifles, and will serve as sentries and ushers.
The other 750 are members assigned to specialized units dealing with chemical, biological, nuclear or radiological threats; bomb squad technicians; medical personnel (including those who perform coronavirus tests in support of the attending physician of Congress); and logistics and communications support staff.
Coast Guard helicopters and ships will be in the air and in nearby waterways.
Air Force fighter jets stationed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland will be aloft over the area. Airspace over the Capitol, the National Mall and the rest of the city will be even more restricted than usual, Pentagon officials have said.
Jennifer steinhauer contribution to reports.
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