There are now as many as 20,000 troops from around the country who have been authorized to assist local and federal law enforcement in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration, until into early February, some with firearms in hand.

“This was requested by federal authorities and authorized by the Secretary of the Army,” according to a statement from NGB. “National Guard members are postured to meet the requirements of the supported civil authorities, up to and including protective equipment and being armed if necessary.”

National Guard troops have been activated in D.C. since Jan. 4, when Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy called up several hundred D.C. Guardsmen to help the Metropolitan Police Department with traffic control ahead of protests supporting President Donald Trump. Those troops did not carry weapons, keeping their body armor and helmets in their vehicles.

A week later, the scene has changed. Thousands of Guard troops from multiple states have converged on the capital, donning their personal protective gear as they stand guard at entrances to Capitol Hill and inside its buildings.

As their mission does not include law enforcement and is seen as a supportive, extra layer of security, they have not been carrying weapons, as they were not under previous authorization agreed upon by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, before the Jan. 6 breaching and ransacking of the Capitol building.

“The public’s safety is our top priority,” according to NGB’s statement.

The Guard’s presence around the Capitol now more closely mirrors its posture in early June, when days of protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement led to vandalism near the White House. Then, troops were authorized to carry weapons as they stood Guard at various monuments, the White House and parts of downtown Washington.

Now, as then, troops are authorized to use their weapons in self-defense, but they are still acting in support of law enforcement, who will have the authority to control crowds and make arrests.

Here are five ongoing programs that will benefit budget-minded service members, veterans and others within the military community. As with any deals, be sure to follow all guidelines when it comes to proof of eligibility and be sure to check in advance with the business to confirm the deal’s still in place.

1. Lowe’s. Active-duty service members, retirees and veterans can get a 10 percent discount in store and online if they sign up online for the Lowe’s personal shopping card. The MyLowes account will be linked to the discounted pricing and can be used by the entire household. More details here.

2. MGM Resorts. The MGM Resorts Military & Veterans Program, or MVP, is available to all active duty, guard, reserve and retired military members, veterans and spouses of eligible military personnel. Deals include 10 percent off hotel rooms at 17 resorts nationwide (including plenty in Las Vegas and MGM National Harbor, outside Washington, D.C.) as well as select food and beverage discounts. More details here.

3. Nike and Under Armour. Pick your elite workout brand and save thanks to these year-round discount programs; Nike’s offering 10 percent off, while Under Armour’s deal, as of Nov. 13, remained at 15 percent from its Veterans Day promotion.

4. Caesars Entertainment. Active, reserve and retired military members, and their spouses, are eligible for the Total Rewards SALUTE card, which offers special discounts in addition to a 10 percent cut on room rates at nearly 40 U.S. locations, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City, New Jersey. The card also qualifies users for all the benefits of Total Rewards Platinum-tier members, which includes some airfare and cruise discounts, access to show tickets before the general public, and other benefits. More details here.

5. Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops. Two different approaches by these outdoor giants: Cabela’s offers a 5 percent discount every day (details here), while Bass Pro Shops offers 10 percent, but only in stores and for one week each month, beginning on the 15th (details here). Be sure to check the sites before you shop to see if you’re eligible and for lists of products that aren’t covered by the deals.