National Guard Soldier Hates His Job In 1968 Vietnam Protest

During the late 1960s, the National Guard was used in several instances to control antiwar street demonstrations particularly during the Vietnam War era. These demonstrations were often large-scale protests against the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, and they sometimes resulted in clashes between protesters and law enforcement.

Kent State University Shooting (1970): While technically occurring in the early 1970s, the Kent State University shooting is one of the most infamous incidents involving the National Guard during antiwar protests. On May 4, 1970, at Kent State University in Ohio, National Guard troops were deployed to control a protest against the U.S. invasion of Cambodia and the extension of the Vietnam War. The situation escalated, and the National Guard troops opened fire on unarmed student protesters, killing four and injuring several others. This incident had a profound impact on the antiwar movement and further fueled opposition to the war.

Democratic National Convention (1968): During the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago in 1968, antiwar protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Vietnam War and other political issues. The National Guard was activated to help local law enforcement control the protests, which often turned confrontational. The clashes between protesters, police, and National Guard units received significant media attention and became a symbol of the divisive nature of the era.

Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, antiwar demonstrations and protests occurred in various cities across the United States. In many of these instances, National Guard units were called in to provide support to local law enforcement in handling the protests, ensuring public safety, and preventing property damage.

The use of the National Guard during antiwar street demonstrations in the late 1960s was a reflection of the social and political turmoil of the era. These deployments were controversial and sometimes led to tense and violent confrontations between protesters and authorities. The Kent State University shooting, in particular, remains a tragic and memorable event in American history, illustrating the challenges of maintaining order during periods of civil unrest.

The National Guard has a dual role. It can be called upon by both the federal and state governments to perform various functions.

The Guard can be activated to support state and local authorities in situations like riots, civil disturbances, and public safety emergencies. They may assist with crowd control, maintaining order, and protecting critical infrastructure.

The Guard play a role in homeland defense and security, helping protect the nation against external threats. When it comes to street demonstrations that have the potential to turn violent, the National Guard's involvement can vary depending on the situation and the requests made by state and local authorities.

State governors can activate the National Guard to assist local law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order during protests and demonstrations. This typically involves providing additional manpower and resources for crowd control, protecting public property, and ensuring the safety of both protesters and the general public.

The National Guard may be deployed to protect critical infrastructure such as power plants, government buildings, and transportation hubs from potential threats during demonstrations.
In situations where demonstrations lead to emergencies or disasters, the National Guard can provide support to emergency services, including medical assistance and transportation.

The decision to deploy the National Guard during demonstrations is typically made by state governors in consultation with local authorities. The goal is to balance the protection of First Amendment rights to peaceful assembly with the need to maintain public safety and order in situations that have the potential to turn violent. The National Guard is expected to operate in a manner that respects the constitutional rights of individuals while ensuring public safety.

Видео National Guard Soldier Hates His Job In 1968 Vietnam Protest канала David Hoffman