Presidential Transition

Documents & Texts from America.gov

15 January 2009
Washington Readies for Any Inaugural Situation

By Jacquelyn S. Porth
Staff Writer

Washington - For more than 200 years, the U.S. armed forces have coordinated all of the military's ceremonial support for presidents-elect.

The military plays a supporting role to the federal government during presidential inaugurations, mostly in the areas of transportation and communications. It also provides security, marching bands and medical backup.

The military has supported presidential inaugurations since 1789, when the U.S. Army and local militia units participated in George Washington's inauguration in New York.

Rear Admiral Earl Gay, deputy chairman of the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee, met with President-elect Barack Obama on January 8 to go over details - more than a year in the planning - associated with the swearing-in of the 44th president.

Gay represents a tradition in which the armed forces honor their new commander-in-chief, an act which itself recognizes civilian control of the military, an important facet of U.S. democratic traditions. (See "U.S. Military Implements Policies Set by Civilian Leaders.")

Historically, it is the Secret Service, which protects presidents and their families, that takes the lead in providing security for the inauguration and coordinating local police from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. That will be the case for this inauguration too, but this year, 4,000 extra police officers from 96 jurisdictions outside the immediate area will supplement metropolitan forces.

As millions of visitors converge on Washington to witness the momentous swearing-in of the first African-American president, the National Guard will provide 4,000 members to bolster law enforcement efforts. Many members of the Guard will serve double duty as drivers and flag bearers. They will control traffic along the inaugural parade route on Pennsylvania Avenue, one of the capitol's main boulevards. It runs near the National Mall, where millions are expected to gather to try to catch a glimpse of the new president.

The Massachusetts Army National Guard's newly reactivated 54th Volunteer Regiment will take part. The ceremonial unit dates back to the Civil War, when it was the first black regiment. The unit was portrayed in the 1989 film Glory. (See "Obama Inauguration Will Honor Black Civil War Volunteers.")

The pomp and circumstance of the parade will be increased by the 1st Infantry Division Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard, which will ride down Pennsylvania Avenue on horseback wearing Civil War-period uniforms.

Another parade highlight will be the Army's Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. The corps is a crowd pleaser with its red coats and precise formations.

On January 11, inaugural participants rehearsed a rendition of "Hail to the Chief" by the Marine Corps Band. The Army lent Staff Sergeant Derrick Brooks as a stand-in for Obama. The North Carolinian, who resembles the president-elect in size and weight, told reporters he enjoyed his few hours of fame.

The military even tapped Navy Petty Officer First Class LaSean McCray to stand in for Michelle Obama, who will hold the Bible used by President Abraham Lincoln when he was sworn in as the 16th president.

Soldiers from the Old Guard's Presidential Salute Gun Battery have been practicing firing off a 21-gun salute for President Bush and President-elect Obama. This is the highest honor the military can bestow and one that is reserved for presidents and visiting heads of state. The tradition dates back to the 1956 inauguration of President Dwight Eisenhower.

READY FOR ANY CONTINGENCY

With this being the first inauguration of a nonincumbent since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, the military sees its role as especially important. Another 7,500 active duty troops under federal control will fulfill a temporary requirement for emergency medical teams and weapons specialists who will be responsible for operating missile defense batteries during the inauguration.

Outgoing President Bush has declared a state of emergency for Washington that allows city officials to tap federal funds for added security and puts off-duty military personnel on call if needed.

They could be called to shovel snow, handle crowds or respond to a threat. Military chemical and biological units will be located in Washington to safeguard visitors.

The U.S. Northern Command, or Northcom, is responsible for helping domestic security forces, including the capital police force and the FBI. Northcom, which is led by Air Force General Victor Renuart, last provided support during the 2005 inauguration.

This year, Northcom will lend more than 11,000 military personnel to the inauguration efforts. Some of them will serve as ushers at 10 official balls on the evening of January 20. The military will even have special air-cushioned landing craft on the Potomac River ready to conduct evacuations if necessary.

Renuart also heads the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). As a precaution, the number of NORAD air patrols will increase during the presidential transition to intercept any suspicious flights. Air Force F-15, F-16 and F-22 jets will traverse Washington airspace as the new president takes his oath.

Once the inaugural ceremony concludes, Marine Corps helicopter pilots will fly the Bushes from the Capitol to nearby Andrews Air Force Base, from which they will fly to Texas to resume their private life.

back to top ^