AUSTIN, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

04.15.2026

Courtesy Story

Texas Military Department

Powering Through the Dark: How the Texas Military Department Leads the Nation in Redefining Energy Resilience

AUSTIN, TX (April 20, 2026) – When the power goes out, most organizations sit around and wait for it to come back. But for one Texas agency, those dark days are over. The Texas Military Department (TMD) does the opposite — it plans for it, trains for it, and deliberately shuts power off to prove it can operate without it.

In fact, TMD is at the forefront in implementing such exercises across the Department of Defense (DoD). After last week’s successful real-time run, the Texas National Guard became the first in the entire DoD portfolio to operate on microgrids alone for 72 straight hours – breaking the DoD record by over 26 hours.

“This Black Start exercise demonstrates that the Texas Military Department is leading the way in energy resilience and mission assurance,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, Adjutant General of Texas. “We are not waiting for the next crisis—we are preparing for it. Through advanced infrastructure and realistic training, we are ensuring our forces remain ready to support Homeland Defense and serve Texans under any conditions.”

A Black Start exercise is so-named because it simulates a full electrical grid failure and forces an installation to rely entirely on internal energy systems. While the concept has long existed in the energy sector, its application across military installations is relatively new—and still rare.

“These exercises validate whether your systems actually work when it matters,” said Brian Stevens, Deputy Construction and Facilities Management Officer and Director of Plans, Programs, and Innovation for TMD. “You can design resilient infrastructure on paper, but until you operate fully disconnected from the grid under real conditions, you don’t truly know your level of readiness.”

At the center of the exercise was TMD’s advanced microgrid infrastructure, designed to operate seamlessly whether connected to the commercial grid or fully isolated from it.

Unlike traditional backup systems that rely on a single generator, TMD’s approach integrates multiple energy sources, including diesel and natural gas generation, solar photovoltaic systems, battery energy storage, and advanced control systems.

“We have to be prepared for both severe weather events and the growing threat environment posed by adversary nations and terrorist organizations targeting critical infrastructure,” said Tom Myers, Energy Program Manager for the Texas Military Department. “Energy systems are no longer just a support function—they are a potential target.”

Natural disasters including Hurricane Harvey, 2017 and Winter Storm Uri, 2021, revealed vulnerabilities across both civilian and military infrastructure and underscored a crucial need for multiple sources of energy to maintain power, connectivity, and communications.

“Those events changed how we think about resilience,” Myers said. “It’s not just about restoring power—it’s about sustaining operations for as long as necessary, under any conditions.”

Last week’s exercise was planned in response to Governor Greg Abbott’s call to enhance resilience planning across state agencies as outlined in Executive Order GA-48 and other directives.

“Our microgrids are designed to operate both as part of the grid and independently from it,” Myers said. “That means we can support normal operations efficiently but immediately transition to islanded operations when conditions require it—without interrupting the mission.”

During the Black Start exercise, TMD tested processes and procedures while synchronizing teams to ensure power flow at key locations.

“Our team has facilitated over 20 exercises to date for the Army, Air Force and Defense Logistics Agency,” said Martha Kiene, Chief of the Power Reliability Enchantment Program at USACE. “This exercise demonstrated the longest use of a microgrid that we have seen to date. It was a great example of what committed, strategic energy planning can accomplish. The three-day exercise is an outstanding test of the installation’s resiliency and a testimony to what a proactive, forward leaning command team can achieve.”

TMD is already looking beyond power resilience. The agency is focusing future efforts on integrated systems, such as those which combine energy and water infrastructure.

As severe weather events and threats within the state continue to evolve, the ability to operate in the absence of reliable power is no longer an edge case—it is a baseline requirement. And through exercises like Black Start, TMD and the Texas National Guard are living up to the motto, “Always Ready. Always There.”

For more information, contact Texas Military Department Public Affairs Office at media@tmd.texas.gov or 512-782-5620.

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The mission of the Texas Military Department (TMD) is to provide the Governor and the President with ready and trained forces in support of the citizens of Texas and State and Federal civil/military authorities at home and abroad. The Texas Military Department is commanded by the Adjutant General of Texas, the state's senior military official appointed by the governor, and is comprised of the Office of State Administration (formally the Office of the Executive Director), the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), the Texas Air National Guard (TXANG) and the Texas State Guard (TXSG).

Story by 1st Lt. Zalkari Thornton 
36th Infantry Division (TXARNG)

AUSTIN, Texas — Arrowhead Soldiers assigned to the 36th Infantry Division gathered with family members, friends, and community leaders, Jan. 31, at Camp Mabry for a farewell ceremony as they prepare to deploy to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

The ceremony marked an important milestone in the division’s deployment process, recognizing the dedication of service members and the sacrifices of their families. Following the farewell at Camp Mabry, the division will continue readiness training and final mission validation prior to deployment.

Maj. Gen. John “Brad” Bowlin, commander of the 36th Infantry Division, addressed service members and families during the ceremony, emphasizing readiness, leadership, and the critical role families play throughout the deployment cycle.

“As we prepare to deploy, we do so grounded in a legacy that began in 1917 and continues today,” said Bowlin. “This moment reflects months of preparation and the unwavering commitment of our service members and their families as we move forward ready, disciplined, and focused on the mission ahead.”

Beyond marking a milestone in the deployment process, the ceremony underscored the people behind the formation — the service members preparing to deploy and the families who support them.

“This deployment gives me the opportunity to contribute in a way that directly supports national defense initiatives and strengthens partnerships with host nations,” said Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Caldwell, a senior intelligence analyst with the 36th Infantry Division. “Working across staff sections to support commanders and the mission is something I take pride in, especially as a first-generation service member.”

Family members in attendance reflected on the significance of the moment and the support required throughout the deployment.

“This deployment brings a mix of emotions, but I know it will be a meaningful season of growth for both of us,” said Katrina Bondoc, wife of 2nd Lt. James Bondoc. “It gives him the opportunity to grow, serve his country, and step into the leader he is becoming.”

The 36th Infantry Division will deploy as part of Task Force Spartan, supporting U.S. Army Central’s enduring mission to strengthen regional security, reassure allies and partners, and maintain a ready and forward-postured force in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

For the division, this deployment continues a long history of overseas service, following its most recent mobilization in 2020 in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Created in 1917, the 36th Infantry Division first saw combat during World War I. During World War II, its amphibious assault at Salerno, Italy, made it the first American division to land on the European continent. Throughout the Cold War, the division maintained a constant overseas presence, followed by peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and Kosovo and multiple deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, and most recently, Spartan Shield.

Operation Spartan Shield promotes stability across the region and reinforces the United States’ enduring commitment to its allies and partners in the Middle East. The deployment highlights the National Guard’s ability to provide trained and ready forces in support of global operational requirements.

An official casing of the colors ceremony is scheduled for March and will formally mark the division’s deployment following completion of training and readiness validation at Fort Hood.

“We are Texans, we are Guardsmen, and we are ready,” said Bowlin. “We go as a team, we serve as a team, and we will all come home as a team.”

Texas Army National Guard Participates in 2025 SAREX 
Story by Capt. Jasmine Mathews
36th Combat Aviation Brigade

HOUSTON—Soldiers from the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Texas Army National Guard, participated in the 2025 Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) in Houston, Texas, May 20-22.

The primary focus of the SAREX is hurricane response preparedness, based on real-world events and involves collaboration between agencies, including military personnel, first responders, and volunteers. SAREX enables search and rescue organizations to identify areas for improvement and enhances overall response strategies for future emergencies.

"Our continued collaboration with the Texas Military Department is the cornerstone of mission success," said Brett Dixon, the assistant chief of Texas A&M Task Force 1 and SAREX director. "SAREX isn't just a drill - it's a testament to the trust, coordination, and shared commitment that prepare us to respond effectively when Texans need us most."

There were sixteen helicopters from the U.S. Coast Guard, Travis County Shock Trauma Air Rescue Flight, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Department of Public Safety, Harris County, and National Guard units from Arkansas, Indiana, and Texas. SAREX also consisted of medical evacuation tail-to-tail patient transfers with a C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules from the U.S. Air Force.

“I’m extremely impressed with how our soldiers performed throughout the exercise with over 150 hoists and 82 flight hours in total,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Rick Dillenbeck, command chief of the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, TXARNG. ”This is our 11th SAREX and every year, we incorporate the lessons learned into real-life operations. We are truly grateful for our interagency partners and their continued cooperation that enables us to effectively do our job.”

SAREX 2025 replicates real-world scenarios in order to better prepare for natural disasters, improves interagency coordination between state and federal partners, and enhances search and rescue strategies. The Texas Military Department trained with civilian agencies, the U.S. Coast Guard, and National Guard units from Arkansas and Indiana.
 

Abu Dhabi, May 16, 2025 — In a formal ceremony at the Ministry of Defense Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defense Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, and the Honorable Pete Hegseth, United States Secretary of Defense, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to establish a comprehensive U.S.-UAE Major Defense Partnership.

This LOI represents a shared commitment to develop a structured roadmap that will guide enhanced military-to-military cooperation, joint capability development, and long-term defense alignment between the two nations.  The two sides will explore a phased framework for advancing bilateral force readiness, interoperability, and innovation-driven collaboration.

As part of this partnership, the Secretary announced a new strategic initiative between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the UAE’s Tawazun Council. This collaboration will deepen ties in defense innovation, facilitate joint research and development, and expand industrial and investment partnerships across both defense ecosystems.

Additionally, the UAE was formally welcomed into the U.S. National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) through a partnership with the Texas National Guard. The SPP will bolster military modernization efforts and enhance cooperation in integrated air and missile defense, cybersecurity, disaster response, and operational planning.

The designation of the UAE as a Major Defense Partner reflects a decades-long relationship anchored in mutual trust, shared objectives, and a common commitment to regional and global security. It builds on the longstanding record of both countries working side-by-side to counter threats, stabilize conflict zones, and promote security and prosperity in the Middle East and beyond.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4189772/joint-press-statement-on-us-uae-major-defense-partnership/

MCALLEN, Texas – Texas National Guard Engineer Special Response Teams this week installed a new anti-climb barrier near Brownsville, Texas to further the agency’s effort to stem the flow of illegal crossings.

In recent months, around Eagle Pass and Brownsville, illegal border crossers have damaged existing wire and barriers to gain access to Texas. The engineers repaired the damaged sections of barrier while operational personnel blocked entry and provided security for the construction operations. The damage to the barrier continues to occur daily. 

The Engineer Special Response Teams are now installing a new barrier to reinforce the areas of high-traffic illegal crossings. The teams are installing an anti-climb barrier behind the reinforced wire areas. The barrier also has barbed wire and concertina wire attached as to prevent climbing over with a ladder or other scaling device. 

“The Brownsville area is seeing a lot of bad actors coming across the river and cutting our existing C-wire barrier,” said Capt. Chris Daniel, SRT-1 officer in charge. “The ACB barrier will allow Task Force South [National Guard] and law enforcement partners more time to respond to the breaches to apprehend the bad actors.”

The environment surrounding the Rio Grande River dictates how the barriers are installed, according to Daniel. In El Paso, where fencing operations have been ongoing, illegal border crossings are blocked by multiple layers of the wire arrayed in wide open areas of high-volume traffic. The wire is used to funnel illegal migrants to staging areas where they are turned back to Mexico.

    Since the beginning of the mission, the engineers have installed over 82 miles of concertina wire and reinforced over 27 miles of that wire. Additionally, almost 73 miles of chain-linked fencing has been installed to secure private and public property in the border region.
The Texas National Guard is dedicated to preventing, deterring and interdicting transnational criminal activity, in conjunction with our state and local partners, along the Texas and Mexico border.  
 

(CLICK FOR YOUTUBE VIDEO)

The protection of cyber infrastructure has become paramount to the security and well-being of nations. Cyber infrastructure encompasses the vast systems and networks that support our modern way of life, from power grids and water treatment facilities to communication networks and financial systems. These systems are integral to our daily routines, making it imperative to shield them from the ever-growing threats in the digital realm.

Cyber infrastructure faces an array of potential risks, each posing a unique challenge to its security. Three major areas should be a focus for the Texas National Guard and they are as Follows:  Cyber Espionage, Cyber Sabotage and Cyber Terrorism.

1.   Cyber Espionage: Involves the theft of sensitive information from computer systems. This stolen data can be exploited to harm a country's economy, national security, and its citizens. The theft of classified information is a significant concern.
2.   Cyber Sabotage: Deliberate acts of damaging or destroying computer systems can have a catastrophic impact on infrastructure. A successful cyber sabotage attack can disrupt essential services, causing widespread chaos.
3.   Cyber Terrorism: Cyber terrorists employ cyberattacks to achieve political or ideological objectives. Their targets may include critical infrastructure, government services, and businesses, with the potential to disrupt entire regions.

Public awareness and education concerning the best practices concerning cybersecurity reduce the likelihood of successful cyberattacks.

To effectively address these challenges, consider the following:

•    Training and Education: Ensure that personnel are proficient in cybersecurity best practices and are aware of potential threats and tactics employed by cyber adversaries.
•    Incident Response: Develop and regularly test incident response plans to minimize downtime and data loss in the event of a cyberattack.
•    Collaboration: Work closely with federal and state agencies, as well as private sector partners, to share threat intelligence and coordinate responses to cyber threats.
•    Continuous Monitoring: Implement tools and practices for continuous monitoring of networks and systems to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
•    Resilience: Focus on building resilience into critical infrastructure to withstand cyberattacks and recover quickly.
•    Legal Frameworks: Ensure there are appropriate legal frameworks in place to address cyber threats and prosecute cybercriminals effectively.
•    Public Awareness: Educate the public on cybersecurity risks and best practices to reduce the likelihood of successful cyberattacks.

Cyber awareness and cybersecurity are essential components of the Texas National Guard's mission to protect the state's digital safety and security. By addressing the risks of cyber espionage, cyber sabotage, and cyber terrorism, and by staying vigilant and proactive in their efforts, the Texas National Guard can help safeguarding Texas' digital infrastructure and resources.

Please join us…
Thursday, 10/19/2023 
Bldg. 8, Alamo Room
Camp Mabry 
0730-1700

AUSTIN, TX– The Texas National Guard and the Chilean Army met Aug. 28-30, 2023 for a joint cyber security exercise in Santiago, Chile as part of the State Partnership Program (SPP), to exchange ideas, train to defend against cyber threats, and discuss the importance of the growing a cyber-defense program in the military.

Col. Christopher Howell, chief of the Cyber Operations Branch, Joint Force Headquarters, Texas Military Department, said that the exchange of knowledge is a valuable tool for improving cyber security in both countries.

“We want them [Chile] to further understand how Chile’s cyber operations and organizational capabilities employ tactical responses at a military level. Also, we discussed the communications within their country,” Howell said.

As cyber threats become more common, it is crucial to support the relationship amongst both countries and strengthen the bonds between military and their civilian counterparts, Howell said.

1st Lt. Jose Pantoja, with the Chilean Navy, said that these long-term partnerships are critical for international security for the future.

“I think keeping this relationship between Chile and Texas is fundamental to develop our capacities and our apprenticeships to improve our defenses. With this experience, the Texas National Guard shares with us their knowledge and training for maintaining our systems. We are also learning how they coordinate with their citizens,” said Pantoja.

The exercise included a simulated cyber-attack on a Chilean government website. Partners from both countries worked together to overcome challenges and address vulnerabilities brought to light during the exercise.

Sgt. Maj. Darla Wright, senior non-commissioned officer for the Cyber Operations Branch, Texas Military Department, said building junior soldiers’ knowledge is beneficial to both the military and the individuals.

“We wanted to share the different aspects that have been key to retain and recruit cyber personnel within the organization, and that is making every person understand their contribution and their effort is recognized and this will create growth within the cyber-intelligence field now and for the future,” Wright said.

The Texas National Guard leaders also discussed the importance of rewarding hard work, developing individuals’ skills, and allowing each member the opportunity to advance within the Chilean Army.

“Often the best recruiter is the person who is already doing that job. They have those skill sets, so the different things that we can help is to interview the talent within and train Soldiers to become instructors, “ Wright said.

The Texas National Guard and the Chilean Army will continue to work together to share information, develop personnel, and respond to cyber threats and guidance for the future.

SOUTH TEXAS— Recently, Texas National Guard Soldiers from Kilo Company assisted Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers apprehend a driver and three illegal aliens after a high-speed chase in a Laredo neighborhood that ended when the vehicle broke down, June 19, 2023.

The chase began when DPS brush team received a call about a group seen getting into, and speeding off in, what is known as a “load-up vehicle.”

The next day State Troopers and Soldiers apprehended one female migrant and witnessed four males swim back to Mexico after another vehicle crash. The high-speed pursuit occurred ended with the pursued vehicle crashing into the Rio Grande River as a last-ditch effort to evade capture.

Spc. Crumby, a Texas Guardsmen has seen the different ways illegal immigrants try to get across.

“We had a few that we turned back in raft early,” Crumby said. “Late, in the shift there was another group nearer to the bank and we were able to turn them back, too.”

Service members have also trained to use small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), or drones to gain the upper hand in border-town neighborhoods. The drones provide a birds-eye view of the area, as well as adding the ability to see in the dark.

Guardsmen across the southern border have worked with the law enforcement partners to detect, deter, and interdict all criminals from coming across and either poisoning our neighborhoods with illicit drugs or trafficking people. The Texas National Guard remains dedicated to protecting our border and improving the safety of our neighborhoods.

A medical unit from the Texas National Guard participated in the Joint Medical Exercise-23 June 5-9, 2023 at Fort Cavazos, an annual event that aims to train Soldiers and civilians in life saving procedures from the point of injury all the way to major trauma centers.

The medical platoon from the 3/278 Armored Cavalry Regiment, a Tennessee National Guard unit that is commanded by the Texas National Guard’s 36th Infantry division, brought 23 Soldiers to the exercise that drew over 2000 medical professionals and helicopter pilots from around the world.

JMEX-23 was designed to take a patient from the point of injury on the battle field, through all four roles of medical care. Newly minted doctors in residency and new 68W combat medics rotate through each role, working patients in each level of care.

The Soldiers from the 3/278 were responsible for Role 1 battalion aid station.

“Our job here is to stabilize them so we can get them to definitive care, or surgery,” said Staff Sgt. Colin Keenan, the medical platoon sergeant for the unit. “We are here to stabilize them so we can get them to a Role 2, and eventually to a role 3 and 4 if needed.”

While the army has trained each of the Guard soldiers as combat medics or physicians assistants, many of them have medical careers external to the Guard. Keenan said that some of his platoon are on an ambulance nearly every day. That kind of experience is something you only find in the National Guard, according to Keenan, a former active duty Soldier.

“Out of our platoon, we have five or six paramedics and another four or five EMTs or people that work in hospitals or labs,” Keenan said. “An active duty soldier might not touch a real patient for a long time, where my guys are going on calls all the time and using those skill sets.”

The group of medics from Texas also has a physician’s assistant with them, who supervises the advanced care the Soldiers can give in the field. He said that the unit brings a unique set of skills.

“We have the ability to stabilize the patient for 24 hours in the field,” said Maj. Tomas Palacios. “We also have the ability to do a walking blood bank. It’s like taking them to the emergency room, without the hospital.”

The walking blood bank allows the medics with the 3/278 to get blood, on the spot, from other soldiers, to give it to patients who critically need the blood as a life-saving measure at the battalion aid station.

As part of the event, Navy Lt. Victoria Kay, an emergency medicine resident at Navy Medical Center San Diego, treated a notional trauma patient with the Texas Guardsmen.

“This is arguably the best setup out here,” Kay said. “We have run several training lanes and it has been impressive to work with the individual Guardsmen. They are very well trained and very motivated.”

SOUTH TEXAS— National Guardsmen from both Florida and Tennessee are now working side by side with Texas Guardsmen and the Department of Public Safety along the border from Brownsville to El Paso. Several hundred Soldiers arrived by C-130 and by bus, and took positions on the line in early June.

Florida National Guard engineer, Staff Sgt. Miguel Cabrera, non-commissioned officer in charge of the engineers in Eagle Pass said missions like this help Soldiers in many ways.

“This mission lets us do what we are called for as National Guardsmen, helping our state of Florida but also helping Texas,” Cabrera said. “The experience here on the ground is helping our Soldiers with their careers. The gained experience of doing engineer work improves their engineering skills and doing a mission like this helps their Soldiering and leadership skills.”

The Florida and Texas engineers have laid a quarter of a mile of triple strand concertina wire each day in the Eagle Pass area of operation.

Throughout the border region the number of illegal immigrants attempting to come across has dropped drastically. The efforts of the Guardsmen standing the line, engineers clearing the land and laying down c-wire and the additional troopers from law enforcement partners from the Department of Public Safety have made an impact.

The additional eyes and ears of Tennessee and Florida Guardsmen have helped make a difference already in detection and deterrence.