Did the Soviets have to do it because they killed all the workers?

Apparently the national guard has also been commanded to spread mulch around monuments because too many National Parks employees were sacked.

The guard soldiers have to be pissed. They have jobs, families and commitments back home. Soldiers (and cops) hate being used as political pawns.

Yeah. It was a basic training thing.

Commander, solemnly, "You've been mobilized for an important mission, vital to the life of our Nation and the safety of its people. Any questions?" From the back, "Sir, the Nation can count on us. What is the mission?" Commander, "Police call."

Should have joined the Navy

Please tell me they are all aware of why and what they being used for. I know they have to follow orders - but as they are picking up trash I just hope they know why.

Sad since these National Guard members have other full time jobs that they should be doing, not providing video for Trump's propaganda machine. Unfortunately, quitting isn't an option since they are stuck unless they want to be dishonorably discharged.

But do they kind of like mulch duty?

Honestly, many of their missions are more “building” rather than menacing citizens, I’m hopeful mulching feels better to them.

Love how the warrior ethos turned into picking up trash

At least they're used to it, since they often police the grounds at basic training camps. Not like occupation duty, which no army in the history of the world has ever done decently.

He hates the military. We knew it already but he keeps offering more evidence.

They'll like it more when their checks don't come, because he never pays for any work..

With all the deportations, someone has to pick the crops.

• Pathetic. • Last gasps of a once promising nation -- 70 yrs ago. • We blew it. • It is over. • 77 million Americans elected a pack of evil whack-ohs. • 65% military voted Trump.

The harvest will be next.

Tom, lately it seems you've upped your engagement level here on bsky by order of magnitude. What has changed for you?

Haven't really, just some things that caught fire. Sometimes I actually engage *more* here when I'm busy to clear my mind from stuff I'm writing on. When I have real down time, I'm either game-playing or at the beach.

Trash Warriors!!!

Don’t forget park landscaping and building beautification.

It's a clear indicator of how Dear Leader appreciates their time and talents.

I hope they file for combat pay. The president himself has declared DC incredibly dangerous, and as further evidence they’ve been charged to carry weapons.

Really makes you feel like a “warfighter”.

I'm lethal, baby

Prison guards at Gitmo, concertina wire stringers, litter duty…this is Hegseth’s new “warrior ethos”

To quote Roy Cohn, "Trump pisses ice water."

War fighters bringing the war to garbage, one bag at a time.

As a former commander of 3 Army Reserve units, I would have put my people on trash pickup to: 1. Keep them occupied. 2. Separate from the ICE idiots. 3. Show America what a farce the crime emergency was. 4. Give the press something to show ignorant the deployment is.

Well this is a subversive approach, I like it

I am convinced that the reason he couldn’t execute a military coup post election in 2020 is because Biden treated the military with respect and Trump didn’t.

Obviously part of the Warrior Ethos

In August. In DC.

Anything that helps keep them from shooting civilians…I’m in

Bright vests over camouflage is a great metaphor for the Trump Administration’s commitment to the American people.

Or spreading mulch.

Be careful, the next stop for NG is taking over immigrant jobs out in the fields and on dairy farms.

"Police up the area" maybe the least favorite order

Loved police calls around the barracks in the morning. 😖

Loved picking up cigarette butts when I was an airman, despite being a non-smoker. "Every time my fingers touch cigarette butts, I'm Superfly T.N.T., I'm the Guns of the Navarone!"

It was even better when you accidentally picked up one attached to something they coughed up and spit out.🤮

Tell me about it.

They look like convicts performing their sentence of community service.

And these are National Guard. Off duty, they are bankers, and machinists, and truck drivers, and teachers and... When called for emergency duty stateside, they are saving lives, property (and money). For duty offshore, they (should be) called for essential national interest. What's this trash for?

The trash is inside the house.

They will feel angry and wasted and misused - just the right angry, frustrated mindset that they will happily start firing at civilians. Rage and frustration are not a problem if you know how to channel it. Ask totalitarians who fill stadiums with people to watch, and cheer on, executions.

Thoughts and prayers to Bridge Colby’s poor assistant frantically inserting “and cleanliness” after every occurrence of “lethality” in the next draft version of the forthcoming National Defense Strategy. 😂

According to recent report, they will be tasked with mulching as well. Really. FFS.

Just imagine if the Klingons did this to their troops . . . .

They love putting on an orange vest and looking like they just got off the prison bus. It's what they signed up for.

Better they are carrying trash bags than guns, better they are picking up trash than residents. But what a waste to have them there at all. I'm sure their civilian co-workers are more than happy to be picking up the slack.