Texas State Guard

[TexasVet]

A few questions.

It seems that monthly drills are on Saturday or both weekend days. What about those who work weekends ? Any way to get involved ?
Other than training for a specific duty, can you take advantage of resources ? Such as a nice shooting range ? Armorer ? Language courses ? Any other benefits such as PX, discounts ? Is TSG considered military for CHL purposes ?
thanks

[GrillKing]

A few questions.

It seems that monthly drills are on Saturday or both weekend days. What about those who work weekends ? Any way to get involved ?
Other than training for a specific duty, can you take advantage of resources ? Such as a nice shooting range ? Armorer ? Language courses ? Any other benefits such as PX, discounts ? Is TSG considered military for CHL purposes ?
thanks

TexasVet, sorry, I don't know how you can participate if you can't make most weekend drills. As far as training, it is mostly emergency management - CPR, First Aid, CLS, Shelter Operations - also some Land Nav, Search and Rescue and the like.

Benefits: Free Super Combo Hunting/Fishing, PX at Camp Mabry, Free CHL (state fee). TXSG is considered to be military by the State of Texas - all laws that apply to NG while under state authority apply to TXSG.

As far as firearms, very limited use within TXSG. Mostly annual pistol qualification at Camp Swift / Bowie for those that want to earn a qualification badge. The TXSG dominated the Adjutant General's latest Pistol Competition. TXSG took 1st place and several others in the top 10. However, if you are looking for extensive weapons activity, the TXSG isn't the place to be.

However, CHL is encouraged within the TXSG. Some TXSG CHL instructors make the class available on a semi regular basis at Camp Mabry (class) and Camp Swift (range) for TXSG, Army and Air NG, civilian employees of the Adjutant General and their families for $30. TXSG and NG get the actual license for free.

Biggest benefit: Helping Texans!!!

[pbwalker]

Are there any primary differences between the TXSG itself and the Air Wings attached to them? I ask because I have been reading about this all weekend and saw on the 5th AW website that they encourage people to pick a vocation they are 'new' to. Well, I am a avid amateur meteorologist and see that it is available as a vocational field. I would enjoy that!

[GrillKing]

Are there any primary differences between the TXSG itself and the Air Wings attached to them? I ask because I have been reading about this all weekend and saw on the 5th AW website that they encourage people to pick a vocation they are 'new' to. Well, I am a avid amateur meteorologist and see that it is available as a vocational field. I would enjoy that!

On the TXSG Army side, the units are separate from the Army NG, but are often deployed and work together. For example, my unit, 1Bn 2nd CA Regt TXSG, deployed to Orange TX for Hurricane Gustav to support Special Needs Evacuation. We met up with the 72nd Brigade Combat Team Texas Army National Guard for assisting in the physical and logistical aspects of evacuating these citizens, (loading their luggage, assisting them (many elderly, invalid, etc) in getting on the busses that took them to shelters (or the air field where other State and National Guard got them on TANG Aircraft), directing traffic, assisting them from their personal vehicles upon arrival, etc. We were also working with the State Area Command Texas Army National Guard in operating the Special Needs Evacuation software that matches citizens, their families, their pets, their wheelchairs and other medical equipment, via both bar code and RF, to ensure it all got to the shelter together (remember shelters were set up all over the state) and then got them home again. In total about 20 TXSG, 20 72BCT and 10 State Area Command, 50 total worked together with local police, fire dept, EMS, Red Cross, etc., to ensure these citizens safety in Orange Texas. Similar Operations with all components of the Texas Military Forces were deployed all across the Hurricane Impact Zone. That's how it often works with various components of the Texas Military Forces working together on the "green" side. Also in Orange were TXSG and TXARNG working together at a POD distributing MRE's and ice. It is very much a joint effort.

On the "blue" or air side, TXSG Air Units are attached to specific Texas Air National Guard units as force multipliers for operations within Texas. They train together and work together on a monthly basis. Blue side airmen and women are fully versed in TXSG tasks and assist wherever needed when needed, just as the green does, but tend to deploy with their attached Air NG units.

As far as meteorology, I belive the Air side unit in Austin is a weather flight....

Hope this helps...

[jeeperbryan]

GrillKing,

Do you happen to know if they provide any tuition assistance? I'm really interested in joining based on everything I've heard and read.

[GrillKing]

GrillKing,

Do you happen to know if they provide any tuition assistance? I'm really interested in joining based on everything I've heard and read.

There is a Tuition Assistance Program, but I don't know the details. I believe you have to be in for a year, it's good only in Texas and there is a limit on how much / how many can participate. Would need a recruiter to give the full skinny on this though....

However Hunting / Fishing License (super combo with all state endorsements) is FREE and CHL (state fees) is FREE!!!

[quidni]

I am curious, as I am currently in the process of becoming a new member of the Texas State Guard.

39th Reg. here. Just got back home from a combined drill in Midland. Were you at the IET this weekend? if so, we may have bumped into each other.

[GrillKing]

I am curious, as I am currently in the process of becoming a new member of the Texas State Guard.

39th Reg. here. Just got back home from a combined drill in Midland. Were you at the IET this weekend? if so, we may have bumped into each other.

Hi Quidni,

I'm 1Bn 2nd Regt. Please feel free to look over all my statements and make sure I got it right!!

Gary

[Purplehood]

Is this a Militia?

[GrillKing]

Is this a Militia?

Depends on your definition of Militia. Per the purest form of the definition, yes, as it is a military force composed of citizens of the state of Texas.

But to be VERY clear: The Texas State Guard is an official State of Texas Force. All officers and enlisted are employees of the Adjutant General's Department (State Employees-albeit part time) and are subject to the laws of the State of Texas with regards to all aspects of the organization. Including, but not limited to the TCMJ (Texas Code of Military Justice), section 431 of the Government Code. This section also applies to the Texas Army and Air National Guard when they are under state control (most of the time).

There are no self appointed missions or deployments. All activities are under the aithority of the Governor and at the direction of the Adjutant General of Texas as relayed through the Chain of Command. Citizens who want to help out fellow Texans in times of need are wanted, Rambo need not apply.

[GrillKing]

A couple more things:

Prior service is highly welcome. I don't know the mix, but I would guess that half or more of the TXSG is prior service. Most Senior positions are held by (but not required) prior service. Prior service I believe come in at their former rank or former rank+1. Non prior, I believe come in as E-1 through E-4, depending on their civilian work experience and the skill set they bring to the table. A recruiter can give more specifics if interested.

There is an OCS option for officer appointments, but I don't know the details. Can get those for anyone interested.

[WarHawk-AVG]

I am trying to join the TXSG

I have to a copy of my DD-214, and my Social security card, and a oblique photo and that is all that is needed to send my paperwork to headquarters

I believe I will be in the 8th Regiment

Best way to go about joining TXSG is to go to their site and contact the recruiter for your area
http://www.gotxsg.com/units.php?send_to_url=/join.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

No...this is not Milita..we are Ipso Facto "The Texas Army"

[GrillKing]

I am trying to join the TXSG

I have to a copy of my DD-214, and my Social security card, and a oblique photo and that is all that is needed to send my paperwork to headquarters

I believe I will be in the 8th Regiment

Best way to go about joining TXSG is to go to their site and contact the recuiter for your area
http://www.gotxsg.com/units.php?send_to_url=/join.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

WarHawk-AVG, you are right! Thanks. However, for those in Central Texas who want to join, PM me and I'll get you set up directly with our recruiter and save you some time and steps.

Gary

[pbwalker]

WarHawk-AVG, you are right! Thanks. However, for those in Central Texas who want to join, PM me and I'll get you set up directly with our recruiter and save you some time and steps.
Gary

Hey Gary...Do you have a POC for the 401st up in Austin? I've sent off for info, but haven't heard back yet.

Thanks!

[GrillKing]

WarHawk-AVG, you are right! Thanks. However, for those in Central Texas who want to join, PM me and I'll get you set up directly with our recruiter and save you some time and steps.
Gary

Hey Gary...Do you have a POC for the 401st up in Austin? I've sent off for info, but haven't heard back yet.

Thanks!

PM Sent