When the call came down to the Nebraska National Guard Wednesday, the scope of their mission in Washington DC exploded in size.

“We are now sending an additional 200 airmen and soldiers over primarily to help with security,” said Sergeant Lisa Crawford of the Nebraska National Guard.

They will be joining 30 who already arrived in a supporting role.

The 230 Nebraskan troops joining about 20,000, from across the nation.

Their job: protecting property, and people, at the capitol from now, until the inauguration. 

Hundreds of National Guard troops have been forced to sleep in the hallways of the Capitol — believed to be the first time troops have camped there since the Civil War.
 
You can see the battle-ready guards sleeping in almost any spot they can find — many with their assault rifles propped up nearby.
 

“Sometimes, you do have to drop everything and set up camp where you’re at,” Crawford said,

“We are sending them with all of their gear that they have issued to them, which does include a cot. It will be at the discretion of the DC National Guard and the local law enforcement they’re working for what actual equipment they will have with them when they’re on the street.”

The request for additional troops comes just before the planned armed protest in Lincoln this Sunday.

In regards to the possibility of short staffing, Crawford said there is little concern.

“We have 4500 guardsmen that are available,” she said, “We still have plenty of other soldiers and airmen that we can call upon, if necessary if we are requested to do so.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the troops’ presence provided “reasons for hope.”

“That’s essentially what our mission is. Just to help make sure everybody stays safe," Crawford said.