[Stripes.com] The head of the D.C. National Guard, Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, said Friday that he has been ordered removed from his command effective Jan. 20, 12:01 p.m., just as Donald Trump is sworn in as president.
Schwartz's forced departure will come in the midst of the presidential inauguration that he has spent months helping plan alongside D.C. police, the U.S. Secret Service and other top District of Columbia officials. He will turn over command to an interim as power transfers from one president to the next, and just before the inaugural parade marches down Pennsylvania Avenue.
"The timing is extremely unusual," Schwartz said in an interview Friday morning, confirming a memo announcing his ouster that was obtained by The Washington Post. During the inauguration, Schwartz would command not only the members of the D.C. guard but also an additional 5,000 troops sent in from across the country to help. He also would oversee military air support protecting the nation's capital during the inauguration.
"My troops will be on the street," Schwartz, 65, said. "I'll see them off but I won't be able to welcome them back to the armory." He said that he would "never plan to leave a mission in the middle of a battle."
| Nothing personal General Schwartz, could be inclement weather, flooding, pestilence, polio. We're bringing in 5000 augmentees and the 'A Team' leadership package from Fort Bragg. |
| There's a back story here, I wonder what it is... |
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