On Monday, the Pentagon’s Press Secretary, John Kirby, released an estimate that the government would spend up to $483 million on upkeep for the National Guard troops stationed in Washington D.C. until their expected departure on March 15.
Once broken down, the individual costs are $284 million on Army National Guard personnel and $165 million for their operations. These operations are lodging, meals, transportation, and supply drop-offs from military aircraft. The Air National Guard’s bill comes out to $28 million for personnel and $34 million for operational costs.
There are currently between 5 and 7 thousand Soldiers and Airmen in Washington. The force was lowered from the 26,000 troops, who came from all 50 states, present for President Joe Biden’s inauguration.
According to Stars and Stripes, there will be 5,000 Guardsmen even after the set March date.
The National Guard was initially deployed on January 6 during the Capitol Building riot to help quell the unrest.