Those five GIs in uniform might constitute a “squad.” Even if their job at the moment is pushing paper or packing groceries at least one of them should be armed. That’s why we call in an “armed force.” They should have the means to defend themselves.
I’d still be in jail over the stink I made if some genius had ordered me to send my troops out defenseless——even, or especially, in downtown DC. Putting on a uni carries both responsibility and risk.