A newly released Department of Defense (DOD) memo calls for all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories to form “quick reaction forces” within the National Guard that will be trained in “riot control” procedures — the latest indication that President Donald Trump is set to escalate his militarization of cities across the country.

The October 8 memo was signed by Major General Ronald Burkett, the director of operations for the DOD’s National Guard bureau. The directive orders states’ National Guard units to train hundreds of troops in the use of batons, body shields, tasers, pepper spray, and other weaponry and military techniques.

Most states are being called upon to train at least 500 National Guard troops for the quick reaction forces, with some smaller states and territor

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