The War on Terror Continues (?)
The images of camouflage-clad soldiers patrolling airport terminals became a familiar sight in the months after September 11, 2001—a visible reminder that the nation was on a wartime footing. But as those National Guard troops gradually melted away from the concourses, a question lingered: where did they go? For at least some of them, the answer is both surprising and emblematic of a security landscape that has quietly shifted. They're heading to Laconia, New Hampshire, to help keep the peace during Bike Week.
The Shifting Face of Homeland Security
In the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the call-up of National Guard units to secure airports was a dramatic and largely unprecedented domestic deployment. Uniformed personnel with assault rifles became a fixture at checkpoints, their mission to deter and respond to threats against civil aviation. It was a stark, tangible expression of the Global War on Terror, bringing the conflict home to millions of travelers.
Over time, however, the threat environment evolved. The Transportation Security Administration matured, federal air marshals expanded their presence, and airport police forces hardened their capabilities. By the mid-2000s, the Guard's airport mission began winding down. The drawdown wasn't just about improved security; it also reflected a growing strain on the Guard, which was heavily committed to overseas rotations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The departure of troops from airports largely escaped public notice, but it left open the question of how the Guard's stateside roles would be reconfigured.
What has emerged is a more flexible, event-driven approach. Guard units still stand ready for traditional disaster response—hurricanes, floods, wildfires—but they are increasingly tapped for large public gatherings. The logic is straightforward: mass events present soft targets, and an armed, uniformed presence can serve as a deterrent. But the assignment to a motorcycle rally, with its boisterous reputation, raises its own set of eyebrows.
Laconia Bike Week: A Biker's Mecca
Laconia Motorcycle Week, held every June in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, is one of the oldest and largest rallies in the United States. Dating back to 1916, it draws hundreds of thousands of riders from across the country for nine days of scenic rides, vendor exhibitions, live music, and, inevitably, a certain degree of revelry. The event is a cornerstone of motorcycle culture, offering everything from organized tours of the White Mountains to the legendary hill climbs and the cacophony of custom exhausts echoing off Lake Winnipesaukee.
With such a massive influx of visitors, local law enforcement is routinely overwhelmed, and the state often calls in support from other agencies. Previous years have seen heightened police presence from surrounding jurisdictions, but the inclusion of National Guard troops marks a significant escalation. While officials emphasize the Guard's role will be to support—not replace—civilian police, the symbolism is hard to miss: an event that celebrates freedom and the open road will now be patrolled by soldiers.
The rally's history is not without incident. There have been fatal accidents, occasional brawls, and a persistent tension between residents and visitors over noise and traffic. But it is not a hotbed of terrorism. So why send the Guard? The official explanation points to a general need for crowd control and traffic management, freeing up police for law enforcement duties. Critics, however, see a hammer looking for a nail.
Military at a Motorcycle Rally: Appropriate or Overkill?
The deployment raises fundamental questions about the militarization of domestic policing and the ever-expanding definition of the War on Terror. After two decades of framing national security as an all-encompassing struggle, it seems almost any public safety function can be swept under that umbrella. Guard members at Laconia will ostensibly be unarmed or lightly armed, performing tasks like directing traffic and monitoring perimeters, yet their very presence carries a weight of authority that can alter the atmosphere.
When the troops first appeared at airports, they were a symbol of vigilance and a response to an existential threat. Now, their presence at a biker rally asks us to consider whether 'terror' has become a convenient label for anything that requires extra security.
Civil libertarians argue that using the military for routine civil functions blurs a critical line. The Posse Comitatus Act limits the use of federal military personnel in law enforcement, but National Guard units under state control operate in a gray zone. While there's no suggestion the Guard will be arresting drunk and disorderly bikers, their involvement normalizes the idea that military assets are a standard tool for managing civilian life.
On the other hand, proponents say it's simply a matter of resources. The Guard has personnel, training, and equipment that can be leveraged at minimal cost to the state. In an era of budget constraints, using available manpower to ensure a safe event makes practical sense. And indeed, most rally-goers will probably appreciate a more orderly environment, especially if it means shorter beer lines and less chaos on the roads.
What This Means for Motorcyclists
For the average rider planning to attend Laconia, the Guard's presence will likely be a mixed bag. On the positive side, increased visibility of authority figures could deter petty crime and may help keep aggressive or intoxicated riders in check. Emergency response to accidents might be swifter with military medics on hand. The rally's organizers are quick to stress that the intention is to enhance safety, not dampen the festivities.
However, the sight of uniformed soldiers at every turn can also be unnerving. Motorcycling has long been associated with individualism and a certain skepticism of heavy-handed government. A police officer writing a noise citation is one thing; a National Guardsman with a tactical vest and a serious expression is quite another. There's a risk of creating an atmosphere of occupation rather than celebration, which could sour the experience for many.
For riders coming from out of state, it's worth checking your bike thoroughly before making the trip. A thorough pre-ride inspection can prevent the kind of mechanical breakdown that might attract unwanted attention—or at least a conversation with a trooper that you'd rather avoid. Our own Check Yer Ride guide is a good place to start. And if you're looking to stretch your budget for the journey, you might find some useful tips in Bang For Your Buck!
The Rideamotorcycle.com Perspective
Rideamotorcycle.com was launched with a fresh approach: serving not only the seasoned street rider but also the newcomer and the simply curious. Editor at Large Bill Heald has covered the motorcycling world for years, and his take on the Guard's deployment is characteristically measured. He notes that while the optics are strange, the practical impact may be less dramatic than headlines suggest. "Most Guardsmen I've met are riders themselves, or at least understand the culture," he says. "I expect they'll be more interested in checking out a custom paint job than hassling anyone."
Our publisher, Dean Adams, and webmaster Mark Lesselyoung echo that sentiment. The site's mission is to provide real, useful information without the hype. Whether you're a lifelong biker or someone considering a new two-wheeled adventure, we aim to keep you informed about the events and forces shaping the riding world. The Laconia situation is a prime example of why an independent voice matters: to ask the question marks that official statements often smooth over.
Looking Ahead
The use of National Guard troops at a motorcycle rally may be an anomaly, or it may be a sign of things to come. As the War on Terror continues its morphing journey, with no clear endpoint, the line between military and civilian spheres grows ever thinner. Other major rallies—Sturgis, Daytona, Myrtle Beach—will be watching Laconia closely. If the deployment is judged a success, it could become a template for events nationwide.
For riders, the key is to stay informed and engaged. The motorcycling community has always been adept at navigating regulations and authority with a blend of respect and irreverence. Understanding why troops are on the ground—and what their rules of engagement really are—can make the difference between a tense encounter and a shared laugh over a bike's chrome.
Ultimately, the question mark in the title "The War on Terror Continues (?)" isn't just about whether we're still at war; it's about what we're willing to call war. When National Guard troops are assigned to a motorcycle rally, it's worth asking whether we've stretched the definition so far that it has lost all meaning. The answer might determine the kind of riding culture we pass on to the next generation.