Security expert discusses vetting, removal of National Guard troops ahead of inauguration

BOSTON — A dozen National Guard troops were pulled off the job of protecting the U.S. Capitol. 

Kurt Vied is the Operations Manager for Sentinel 88 Security in Boston. The former Naval Intelligence Officer and Massachusetts State Troopers says vetting is done before all major events with security. But it’s being done especially thoroughly after the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol.

“In this case if there is any doubt, there is no doubt. The stakes are too high,” said Vied. “It could be something as benign as a Facebook posting. They could have posted something not appropriate not within the rules or regulations of the uniform code of military conduct.”

Two of the 12 were pulled due to “inappropriate comments or texts,” according to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Daniel Hokanson.

“Extremism is not tolerated in any branch of the United States military,” said Hokanson.

Exactly what was posted is unclear but a Pentagon spokesperson says the troops social media posts were scrutinized.

“We are not taking any chances. Anything flags, if there is any reason that somebody’s name has been brought to the attention of the command, they are being removed from the line, we’ll ask questions later,” said Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Rath Hoffman.

Vied says troops are given strict guidelines to follow and are expected to follow orders.

“They tell their service members very clearly what they can and cannot post on social media,” said Vied.

“They tell their service members very clearly what they can and cannot post on social media,” said Vied.

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