WASHINGTON, D.C. –
U.S. Army Spc. Luciano Alcala, from El Paso, Texas, recently joined the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR), which is preparing to support the 60th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.
Alcala is one of more than 800 service members assigned to JTF-NCR, a joint service command charged with conducting all military ceremonial support during the inaugural period. The JTF-NCR is composed of service members from all branches of the United States’ armed forces, including Reserve and National Guard components.
Alcala, a 2017 graduate of Americas High School in El Paso, Texas, has served in the U.S. Army for two years. Currently assigned to the public affairs office as a content collector, Alcala is responsible for capturing stories and events through videography and photography.
“Being a part of something this historic is truly special,” Alcala said. “The armed forces' contribution shows the teamwork and dedication the military has to upholding the traditions this nation values.”
JTF-NCR is the joint service command charged with planning, coordinating and providing U.S. military support to presidential inaugurations. During the upcoming inauguration, approximately 5,000 service members from every branch, including active and reserve components, will provide essential ceremonial and operational support for the 60th Presidential Inauguration.
Since 1789, when a military escort and full ceremonial procession including a military contingent of 500 members of the Army, local militia and Revolutionary War veterans escorted the newly elected president to his swearing-in, military support has played an essential role in presidential inaugurations.
Participation of the armed forces in this time-honored tradition demonstrates the military’s support to the nation’s newly elected commander in chief, reaffirms civilian control of the nation’s military and the peaceful transition of power which celebrates the principles of democracy.