TexasCHLforum.com

KD5NRH wrote:

GrillKing wrote:

WarHawk-AVG wrote: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.

Is Erath county central or north central? I'm not in any rush with a baby due this month, but if the kid's anything like I was, deployment to a disaster area might start to sound like a nice vacation in a couple years.

Stephenville is 42 miles from Mineral Wells and 65 miles from Gatesville, the 2 nearest locations. Gatesville is 2nd Regiment (I'm 2nd, although my subordinate unit drills in San Marcos 110 miles south of 2nd Regt HQ in Gatesville). Mineral Wells is 4th Regt.

Texas Infantry, thanks for your service, particulary the long deployments. Thanks.

As far as the TXSG, there is a height and weight standard. Not quite as strict as the NG, but it is there.

I agree, part of being the part is looking the part.....

Not an odd question at all. Yes, military hair standards. Not necessarily short, short, high and tight - but trim, off the ears and collar, facial hair follows army standards. I believe that means mil spec mustache, no beards.

pbwalker wrote:

GrillKing wrote: 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

WarHawk-AVG wrote: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

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.

Purplehood wrote: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.

quidni wrote:

sneedb82 wrote: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

jeeperbryan wrote: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!!!

pbwalker wrote: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...

TexasVet wrote: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!!!

As long as you are a legal resident and meet all other eligibility requirements (background check, age, height/weight, etc.) you are good to go. Let me know and I can get you in contact with our recruiter if you are interested. The San Marcos Armory would be convenient for you. We also have 2nd Regt subordinate units in Gatesville, Camp Swift (Bastrop) and Camp Bowie (Brownwood).

GrillKing wrote:

Fangs wrote:What's the Texas State Guard's take on legal resident aliens wanting to join? I have a green card, just curious...

Good question. I think it is OK, but am not sure. If you are interested, I'll see what I can find out.

Got the question in to my recruiter.

Fangs wrote:What's the Texas State Guard's take on legal resident aliens wanting to join? I have a green card, just curious...

Good question. I think it is OK, but am not sure. If you are interested, I'll see what I can find out.

pbwalker wrote:GrillKing - Thank you for the comprehensive info! I have sent in for some info from my local recruiter!

pbwalker,

San Antonio is the 1st Regiment. I am in the 2nd. Our Area goes from Waco down to San Marcos. I drill at the San Marcos armory. If you are interested I could get you in touch with our recruiter and if you wanted, you could visit us in San Marcos at a drill.

Just a thought...