Why is the Army's Top General-Chaplain Patrolling D.C. Subways? The Answer Involves 2,400 Troops.

WASHINGTON — It’s a sight that stops commuters in their tracks: uniformed soldiers patrolling the capital's bustling metro stations. But on October 27, 2025, an even more unusual figure joined their ranks: a two-star general. U.S. Army Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) William Green Jr., the military's highest-ranking spiritual leader, made a high-profile visit to the D.C. National Guard, but this was no typical office tour. He was there to see the front lines of a massive domestic operation unfolding right under the city's streets. What brought the Army's Chief of Chaplains to the subway platforms? The answer lies in an unprecedented mission to reclaim the city's public spaces.

Accompanied by key members of his team, including Chaplain (Capt.) Steve Anoa‘i and Sgt. Maj. Meaghan, Maj. Gen. Green departed from the historic D.C. Armory with a clear objective. His goal was to personally connect with the men and women at the heart of the ambitious 'D.C. Safe and Beautiful' initiative. This was more than a simple welfare check; the visit was a powerful signal from the top, aimed at bolstering morale and providing spiritual reinforcement to troops engaged in a demanding and highly visible public-facing role.

The 'D.C. Safe and Beautiful' mission is a city-wide effort of staggering scale. Approximately 2,400 National Guard members have been activated to work hand-in-hand with local law enforcement and community organizations. Their official mandate is to "enhance public safety and civic pride," a mission that sees them providing a constant, reassuring presence in key transit hubs and public areas across the District. This deployment represents one of the largest domestic uses of the National Guard for public safety in the city's recent history, transforming soldiers into partners in urban renewal and community engagement.

For soldiers on this unique mission, the challenges are different from a traditional combat deployment but no less stressful. This is precisely where the Chaplain Corps becomes essential. Maj. Gen. Green’s presence underscores the Army’s commitment to the spiritual and mental well-being of its personnel, regardless of their assignment. Chaplains provide a confidential and vital outlet for soldiers to discuss the pressures of their duties, from navigating complex public interactions to the personal strain of serving in their own community. The visit served as a critical reminder that every soldier's welfare, from the front lines abroad to the metro lines at home, remains a top priority for Army leadership.

As Maj. Gen. Green moved through the various metro stations, speaking directly with troops on patrol, his visit sent a resounding message. The 'D.C. Safe and Beautiful' mission is more than just a security operation; it's a complex human endeavor. And at the heart of that endeavor is the Army's sacred promise to care for its own, ensuring that those tasked with protecting the community are themselves supported, strengthened, and spiritually ready for the challenges ahead.