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Gov. Kathy Hochul activated the National Guard Wednesday. According to the governor's office, National Guard members will "support and supplement current correctional staff on site to ensure safety and security." Tasks will include distributing meals and medications to incarcerated individuals. 

In a memo obtained by ÈËÊÞÐÔ½», the National Guard advises members on use of force guidelines — soldiers will not be armed during the deployment — and interactions with striking correction officers. 

The National Guard authorizes uses of force "as a last resort only when the (servicemember) reasonably believes that the physical force to be used is reasonably necessary for self-defense, to prevent injury to person or property, to enforce compliance with a lawful order to quell disturbance, or to prevent an escape." 

In use of force situations, the servicemembers "may only use the minimum amount of force necessary to restrain, detain or otherwise subdue an incarcerated person." The guidance adds that servicemembers should attempt to resolve incidents without using force. 

Any use of force on an incarcerated individual must be reported to the National Guard's chain of command, according to the memo. 

The National Guard directed its members deployed to prisons to avoid interacting with striking correction officers. Servicemembers should not use force in response to verbal harassment from officers. If there is physical harassment, members should move to a secure location and request assistance from state police or law enforcement. Troopers are providing exterior security at some correctional facilities. 

So far, there have not been any reported incidents between striking officers and the National Guard. In Auburn, National Guard members who arrived at the prison were greeted by "USA!" chants from officers who gathered across the street.

The National Guard's presence will help the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, which oversees the prisons. Although there are correction officers still on the job during the work stoppage, the strike has exacerbated an already severe staffing shortage at correctional facilities.