The Texas State Guard (TXSG) is part of the state military force of Texas, and one of three branches of the Texas Military Forces. Along with the other two branches, the TXSG falls under the command of the

Governor of Texas The governor of Texas heads the state government of Texas. The governor is the leader of the executive and legislative branch of the state government and is the commander in chief of the Texas Military. The current governor is Greg Abbott, w ...

and is administered by the Adjutant General of Texas, an appointee of the

Governor A governor is an administrative leader and head of a polity or political region, ranking under the head of state and in some cases, such as governors-general, as the head of state's official representative. Depending on the type of political ...

. The other two branches of the Texas Military Forces are the

Texas Army National Guard The Texas Army National Guard is a component of the United States Army, the United States National Guard and the Texas Military Forces (along with the Texas Air National Guard and the Texas State Guard). Texas Army National Guard units are tra ...

and the

Texas Air National Guard The Texas Air National Guard (TX ANG) is the aerial militia of the State of Texas, United States of America. It is, along with the Texas Army National Guard, an element of the Texas National Guard. No element of the Texas Air National Guard is ...

. The mission of the Texas State Guard (TXSG) is to provide mission-ready military forces to assist state and local authorities in times of state emergencies, to conduct homeland security and mission support activities under the umbrella of Defense Support to Civil Authorities, and to augment the Texas Army National Guard and Texas Air National Guard as required. Headquartered at Camp Mabry in

Austin, Texas Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of Texas, as well as the seat and largest city of Travis County, with portions extending into Hays and Williamson counties. Incorporated on December 27, 1839, it is the 11th-most-populous city ...

, the TXSG functions as an organized state military under the authority of Title 32 of the U.S. Code and Chapter 431 of the Texas Government Code. The Governor of Texas has sole control over the Texas State Guard, because it is not subject to federal activation.

Structure

The Texas State Guard is a

state defense force In the United States, state defense forces are military units that operate under the sole authority of a state government. State defense forces are authorized by state and federal law and are under the command of the governor of each state. ...

that assists and augments the other Texas military branches and civil authorities in times of state emergencies, and on-going support of National Guard units and local communities. They are not part of the federal armed forces command structure, but rather operate purely as a state-organized and controlled military force. The Texas State Guard consists of four Civil Affairs Brigades, as well as a Maritime Brigade, Medical Brigade, and an Air Division. Guardsmen's entry rank depends on prior federal military service and/or civilian education. Individuals with no prior military service or ROTC training must attend the Basic Orientation Training (BOT) course. Texas State Guard personnel actively support the state in the event of catastrophic events, and ongoing state military missions. Guardsmen receive duty pay urrently $151 daily, regardless of rankwhen activated by the Governor and placed on paid state active duty, and starting in 2008, for a limited number of mandatory training days. The organizational structure follows the federal military component structure, with comparable positions, ranks, protocols, and authorities. Guardsmen wear the Texas military uniform according to a branch of service (in accordance with branch regulations) in regards to state military forces when conducting activities while on duty. TXSG personnel are also eligible for the same State issued military awards and decorations as members of the Texas Army & Air National Guard. For example, deployed members of the Texas State Guard received the ''Governor's Unit Citation'' for Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief in 2005. The governor is the commander in chief of the Texas State Guard. Article 4, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution states that "He shall be Commander-in-Chief of the military forces of the State, except when they are called into actual service of the United States. He shall have the power to call forth the militia to execute the laws of the State, to suppress insurrections, and to repel invasions." Command The Commanding General of the State Guard is Brigadier General Anthony Woods. The Senior Enlisted Advisor is Command Sergeant Major Harlan Thompson.

History

The Texas State Guard has its roots in Stephen F. Austin's colonial militia. On February 18, 1823,

Emperor of Mexico The Emperor of Mexico ( Spanish: ''Emperador de México'') was the head of state and ruler of Mexico on two non-consecutive occasions in the 19th century. With the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire from Spain in 1821, Mexico b ...

Agustín de Iturbide Agustín de Iturbide (; 27 September 178319 July 1824), full name Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Arámburu and also known as Agustín of Mexico, was a Mexican army general and politician. During the Mexican War of Independence, he built ...

, authorized Austin who was the leader of the first non-Spanish efforts of Texas settlement "to organize the colonists into a body of the national militia, to preserve tranquility." Austin was appointed to the rank of lieutenant colonel and allowed the colonists to elect all subordinate militia officers. Soon after, Austin's militia was authorized to make war on Indian tribes who were hostile and molested the settlement. In 1827, in a move contrary to modern perceptions of

Anglo Anglo is a prefix indicating a relation to, or descent from, the Angles, England, English culture, the English people or the English language, such as in the term ''Anglosphere''. It is often used alone, somewhat loosely, to refer to peopl ...

-Texan colonists in Mexico, Austin's militia mobilized in support of the Mexican government to put down the Fredonian Rebellion, a group of Americans who tried to declare a part of Texas as an independent republic separate from Mexico. In 1835, all of the local militias in Texas were annexed by

Sam Houston Samuel Houston (, ; March 2, 1793 – July 26, 1863) was an American general and statesman who played an important role in the Texas Revolution. He served as the first and third president of the Republic of Texas and was one of the first two i ...

to provide a unified military command for the provisional government of the

Republic of Texas The Republic of Texas ( es, República de Tejas) was a sovereign state in North America that existed from March 2, 1836, to February 19, 1846, that bordered Mexico, the Republic of the Rio Grande in 1840 (another breakaway republic from Me ...

. After becoming an independent republic in 1836, these forces were aligned with the Army of the Republic of Texas. In 1845, with the annexation of Texas by the United States, this structure was supplanted by the United States Army, but local militia companies were maintained for a ready response. After secession from the United States in 1861, existing militia companies rallied and new militia regiments were formed which were made available to the various armies of the Confederacy. It was officially reorganized as the "State Guard" in 1871 during

Reconstruction Reconstruction may refer to: Politics, history, and sociology * Reconstruction (law), the transfer of a company's (or several companies') business to a new company *''Perestroika'' (Russian for "reconstruction"), a late 20th century Soviet Unio ...

to unify the independent militia companies and regiments throughout the state and continued in operation until 1903, when it was replaced by the nationalized

. It was revived in 1941, after thousands of Texan troops were deployed overseas in

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the World War II by country, vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great power ...

, to provide state military forces and support for wartime

civil defense Civil defense ( en, region=gb, civil defence) or civil protection is an effort to protect the citizens of a state (generally non-combatants) from man-made and natural disasters. It uses the principles of emergency operations: prevention, mit ...

. When the National Guard was mobilized for service in the First World War, the federal legislature recognized the need for state troops to replace the National Guard. A law was passed authorizing the formation of home defense forces for the duration of the war. While Texas passed the necessary enabling statutes, it did not form such an organization. As World War II made mobilization of the National Guard again likely, steps were taken to provide for state troops as replacements for the National Guard. The Texas Legislature passed the Defense Act, HB 45, and the Governor signed the bill on 10 February 1941. This time, a force was organized, with the task falling to Brigadier General J. Watt Page, the Adjutant General of Texas. Within a year, the Texas Defense Guard numbered 17,497 officers and enlisted men. This number was in sharp contrast to the 11,633 members of the Texas National Guard mustered into federal service some months before. The Texas Defense Guard was organized into fifty independent battalions, each composed of a varying number of companies and a headquarters. The federal legislation authorizing them expired on 25 July 1947. This was not taken lightly in some states and most notably in Texas. In that same year, the State Legislature authorized the Texas State Guard Reserve Corps. It was activated in January, 1948. The Reserve Corps continued in existence until ten years after the Congress had once again authorized state guards in 1955. Under statutes enacted by the 59th Legislature, the Texas State Guard Reserve Corps was abolished and Texas State Guard was again authorized and organized on 30 August 1965. Maj

First made up of independent battalions, it was later organized along regimental lines, and at one time also included brigade-sized elements. It was first organized as Infantry and "Internal Security" units. After the early 1970s, it was organized as Military Police with companies assigned to battalions for control and the battalions, in turn, assigned to groups. For several years, there were six Military Police Groups with boundaries generally following those of Texas Department of Public Safety command districts. In 1979, the 7th Military Police Group was formed to provide for command and control over remaining separate battalions in East Texas. A reorganization in 1980 resulted in the formation of the 8th and 9th Military Police Groups in San Antonio and Dallas. The original six groups were headquartered in Fort Worth, Houston, the Rio Grande Valley, Midland, Lubbock, and Austin. In 1993, Texas State Guard was reorganized into regiments and the old group designations disappeared. Regimental headquarters were established in San Antonio (1st), Austin (2nd), Fort Worth (4th), Houston (8th), Dallas (19th), and Lubbock (39th). In ceremonies held in Killeen in July 1993, during the Texas State Guard Association convention, the newly organized regiments were presented with their new colors by the incumbent general officers and three retired general officers of the Texas State Guard. For the first time since World War II, the regiments were authorized distinctive unit insignia for wear by assigned personnel. In March, 1995, a seventh regiment, the 9th, was organized in El Paso from elements of the 39th. This added regiment did not survive though and personnel were returned to the 39th in 1999.

Legal protection

Employers in the state of Texas are required under Texas law to provide a

leave of absence The labour law concept of leave, specifically paid leave or, in some countries' long-form, a leave of absence, is an authorised prolonged absence from work, for any reason authorised by the workplace. When people "take leave" in this way, they are ...

to any employees who are members of the Texas State Guard (or any other state's military forces) whenever these employees are activated to take part in training, drill, or to take part in an emergency mission. Employers must reinstate these employees to their former employment positions following their deployments, without loss of time, efficiency rating, vacation time, or any benefit of employment during or because of the absence.

Recent operations

Regional Basic Orientation Training Class, Texas State Guard

The 19th Regiment signal unit, Texas State Guard

Hurricane Laura Hurricane Laura was a deadly and destructive Category 4 hurricane that is tied with the 1856 Last Island hurricane and 2021's Hurricane Ida as the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall in the U.S. state of Louisiana, as measu ...

in 2020 * Winter Weather response - 2019 *

Hurricane Marco The name Marco has been used for four tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean. * Tropical Storm Marco (1990), hugged west coast of Florida, making landfall as a tropical depression, causing heavy rain and moderate damage * Hurricane Marco (1996), ...

in 2020 *

George Floyd Protests The George Floyd protests were a series of protests and civil unrest against police brutality and racism that began in Minneapolis on May 26, 2020, and largely took place during 2020. The civil unrest and protests began as part of internat ...

* COVID-19 response *

Hurricane Harvey Hurricane Harvey was a devastating Category 4 hurricane that made landfall on Texas and Louisiana in August 2017, causing catastrophic flooding and more than 100 deaths. It is tied with 2005's Hurricane Katrina as the costliest ...

in 2017 * Operation Final Rest (Ongoing) * Operation Lone Star (annual mission) * Operation Strong Safety (Ongoing) * Operation Border Star I-VII (Ongoing) * Observe Operation Jade Helm 15 in 2015 (see Jade Helm 15 conspiracy theories) * Texas Memorial Day Flood ( Blanco River) in 2015 * Bastrop Forest Fire in 2014 * Hurricane Alex in 2010 *

Hurricane Ike Hurricane Ike () was a powerful tropical cyclone that swept through portions of the Greater Antilles and Northern America in September 2008, wreaking havoc on infrastructure and agriculture, particularly in Cuba and Texas. Ike took a sim ...

in 2008 *

Hurricane Gustav Hurricane Gustav () was the second most destructive hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season. The seventh tropical cyclone, third hurricane, and second major hurricane of the season, Gustav caused serious damage and casualties in Haiti, ...

in 2008 * Tropical Storm Edouard in 2008 * Hurricane Dolly in 2008 * Marble Falls Flood in 2007 *

Hurricane Humberto The name Humberto has been used for five tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean. The name replaced Hugo, which was retired after the 1989 season. * Hurricane Humberto (1995) – reached Category 2 Strength but remained in open sea. * H ...

in 2007 * Hurricane Dean in 2007 * Eagle Pass Tornado in 2007 * Operation Wrangler in 2007 *

Hurricane Rita Hurricane Rita was the most intense tropical cyclone on record in the Gulf of Mexico and the fourth-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded. Part of the record-breaking 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, which included three of the top ten ...

in 2005 *

Hurricane Katrina Hurricane Katrina was a destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that caused over 1,800 fatalities and $125 billion in damage in late August 2005, especially in the city of New Orleans and the surrounding areas. It was at the time the cost ...

in 2005 * Columbia Space Shuttle - ground search for remains in 2003

Awards

{{Main, Awards and decorations of the Texas Military U.S. Armed Forces awards may be worn on the Texas State Guard uniform.
Texas Military Forces awards available to Texas State Guard members: * Lone Star Medal of Valor Ribbon

Texas Medal of Valor The Texas Medal of Valor, officially the Lone Star Medal of Valor, is the second highest Awards and decorations of the Texas Military, military decoration that can be conferred to a service member of the Texas Military Forces. It can also be confer ...

Texas Purple Heart Medal The Texas Purple Heart Medal, commonly referred to as the Texas Purple Heart, is the third highest military decoration that can be conferred to a service member of the Texas Military Forces. Subsequent decorations are conferred by a white enameled ...

Texas Superior Service Medal The Texas Superior Service Medal is the fourth highest military decoration that can be conferred to a service member of the Texas Military Forces. It can also be conferred to civilians. No devices are authorized for this decoration. Eligibility T ...

Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal Ribbon

Texas Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal *

Texas Outstanding Service Medal * Texas Medal of Merit Ribbon

Texas Medal of Merit (also awarded with "V" for valor) *

Texas Adjutant General's Individual Award *

Texas Humanitarian Service Ribbon *

Texas Homeland Defense Service Medal * Texas Faithful Service Medal Ribbon

Texas Faithful Service Medal Texas State Guard (TXSG) Awards: *

Texas State Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon *

Texas State Guard Commanding General's Individual Award Ribbon *

Texas State Guard Recruiting Ribbon *

Texas State Guard Officer Professional Development Ribbon *

Texas State Guard NCO Professional Development Ribbon *

Texas State Guard Enlisted Personnel Basic Training Ribbon *

Texas State Guard Physical Fitness Ribbon * Texas State Guard Service Medal Ribbon

Texas State Guard 3 Year Service Medal Texas State Guard Unit Awards: *

Texas Governor's Unit Citation * Texas Meritorious Unit Award

Texas State Guard Meritorious Unit Award *

Texas State Guard Organizational Excellence Award

Commanding Generals

# Maj. Gen. J. Watt Page 1941-1943 # Maj. Gen. Arthur B. Knickerbocker 1943-1947 # Maj. Gen. Claude V. Birkhead 1947-1950 # Maj. Gen. Raymond Phelps 1950-1953 # Maj. Gen. Lloyd M. Bentsen Sr. 1953-1963 # Maj. Gen. John L. Thompson Jr. 1963-1966 # Maj. Gen. Harley B. West 1966-1969 # Maj. Gen. Max H. Specht 1969-1974 # Maj. Gen. William Green 1974-1984 # Maj. Gen. Roland Bruce Harris 1984-1987 # Maj. Gen. James W. Robinson 1988-1990 # Maj. Gen. Marlin E. Mote 1990-1994 # Maj. Gen. John H. Bailey, II 1994-1997 # Maj. Gen. Bertus L. Sisco 1997-2000 # Maj. Gen. Richard A. Box 2000-2006 # Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Powers 2006-2009 # Maj. Gen. Raymond C. Peters 2009-2012 # Maj. Gen. Manuel A. Rodriguez VII 2012-2014 # Maj. Gen. Gerald R. "Jake" Betty 2014-2017 # Maj. Gen. Robert J. "Duke" Bodisch 2017–2021 # Brig. Gen. Anthony Woods 2021–Present

In popular culture

The Texas State Guard was referenced in a

Doonesbury ''Doonesbury'' is a comic strip by American cartoonist Garry Trudeau that chronicles the adventures and lives of an array of characters of various ages, professions, and backgrounds, from the President of the United States to the title character, ...

comic strip in June 2015.{{cite web , url=https://www.gocomics.com/doonesbury/2015/06/14 , title=Doonesbury , last=Trudeau , first=Gary , author-link=Gary Trudeau , date=14 June 2015 , publisher=

GoComics GoComics is a website launched in 2005 by the digital entertainment provider Uclick. It was originally created as a distribution portal for comic strips on mobile phones, but in 2006, the site was redesigned and expanded to include online strips ...

, access-date=13 May 2018

References

{{Reflist, colwidth=30em

External links

Texas State Guard
!-- Banners --> {{State Defense Forces {{Authority control

State Guard In the United States, state defense forces are military units that operate under the sole authority of a state government. State defense forces are authorized by state and federal law and are under the command of the governor of each state. ...

State defense forces of the United States Texas Military Department 1823 establishments in Texas