Story By: Master Sergeant John Gately, Texas State Guard

AUSTIN, Texas — Long before Texas became a state or established a modern military department, its defense rested on citizen volunteers who organized locally to protect their communities, maintain civil order and respond to crisis. 

That tradition, born during the Texas Revolution in 1836, forms the historical foundation of the Texas State Guard, a state-controlled force whose lineage reflects nearly two centuries of Texans serving Texas. 

When Texas declared independence from Mexico, volunteer companies formed the backbone of the Republic of Texas army. After independence was secured, those citizen-soldiers continued serving in locally organized militia units responsible for frontier defense, law enforcement support and emergency response. Units such as the Travis Guards and Milam Guards exemplified a system in which communities relied on themselves for security. 

That model persisted after Texas joined the United States in 1845. Through the 19th century, volunteer militia companies adapted to population growth, internal unrest, natural disasters and border threats. Though organizational structures evolved, the principle remained unchanged: Texans would defend Texas. 

A major shift occurred in 1903, when Congress passed the Militia Act — commonly known as the Dick Act — creating the modern National Guard as a federally integrated reserve force. While the law strengthened national defense, it also introduced a challenge for states. When National Guard units were federalized for overseas service, states could be left without organized military forces to respond to emergencies at home. 

That vulnerability became reality during World War II. 

On Oct. 21, 1940, Congress amended the National Defense Act to authorize states to organize local defense forces during the absence of the National Guard. Texans had already begun organizing unofficial units by the end of that year. On Feb. 10, 1941, the Texas Legislature formally authorized the Texas Defense Guard. 

Public response was immediate. Nearly 17,500 Texans volunteered, often providing their own uniforms and drilling in schoolyards and vacant lots. Civic organizations and local governments helped sponsor units, reflecting widespread support for a home-defense force while the Texas National Guard served overseas. 

In May 1943, the Texas Defense Guard was renamed the Texas State Guard. That same year, Guardsmen were mobilized during the Beaumont riot, when martial law was declared following widespread violence. State Guard units deployed alongside Texas Rangers and state police to restore order, marking one of the organization’s earliest large-scale domestic security missions. 

Throughout World War II and the immediate postwar period, the Texas State Guard protected critical infrastructure, transportation corridors and war plants; assisted civil authorities during floods and storms; and provided security during civil disturbances. Guardsmen also supported response efforts following the catastrophic Texas City disaster in April 1947, one of the deadliest industrial accidents in U.S. history. 

With the return of the National Guard from federal service, the Texas State Guard was disbanded on Aug. 28, 1947. State leaders soon recognized, however, that the need for a state-controlled defense force had not disappeared. In 1948, Texas activated the Texas State Guard Reserve Corps, preserving institutional knowledge and the ability to respond during future federal mobilizations. 

That capability proved essential during the Berlin Wall crisis of 1961, when National Guard units were again called into federal service and State Guard personnel secured armories across Texas. 

In 1965, the Texas Legislature formally reestablished the Texas State Guard as a permanent component of the Texas Military Forces, alongside the Texas Army National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard. 

Over the decades that followed, the Guard evolved into a modern, professional volunteer force. Training expanded beyond traditional security roles to include disaster response, engineering, communications, medical support and logistical operations, all conducted under the exclusive authority of the governor. 

In recent years, Texas State Guard personnel have supported border security missions under Operation Lone Star, working alongside state and federal partners. Guardsmen have provided observation, logistics, communications, engineering assistance and security support, enabling law enforcement and National Guard forces to focus on their primary missions. 

From frontier defense in the 19th century to modern security operations, the Guard’s mission has remained consistent: support civil authorities and protect the people of Texas when state-controlled forces are needed. 

Today, the Texas State Guard stands as the governor’s force — organized, trained and ready. Its members are volunteers drawn from communities across the state, continuing a tradition that began when Texas was its own nation. 

From the citizen-soldiers of 1836 to Guardsmen serving today, the Texas State Guard represents a living legacy of Texans stepping forward to serve Texas. 

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)

BROWNSVILLE, Texas –Texas National Guard members assigned to Task Force South seized more than 800 lbs. of narcotics in the last two weeks being smuggled across the Texas-Mexico border by traffickers. 

On Sunday, Nov. 19, Zeus Flight assigned, the Operation Lone star unit in the Brownsville area, notified the Texas National Guard drone team that they witnessed possible scouts in their area of responsibility. The drone team later confirmed heat signatures for bodies in the area and notified law enforcement partners. In conjunction with law enforcement partners, Airmen stepped in to interdict two smugglers carrying two bundles of marijuana.  

A week later, again with the help of the drone team, Airmen from Zeus Flight spotted eight individuals with bundles of narcotics and contacted the Department of Public Safety. Once on the scene, the Airmen assisted law enforcement agencies to stop the traffickers.  

The seized eight bundles of marijuana, weighing approximately 483.5 lbs. were valued at $386,800.  

On Nov. 28, Zeus Flight was again informed that five suspected smugglers were spotted carrying bundles into the U.S. In partnership with law enforcement, all five smugglers were detained and taken into custody. Approximately 261.8 lbs. of marijuana were seized, with a street value of $209,400.  

“The work our service members are performing along the Texas border is imperative to national security,” said Lt. Col. Wayne Sanaghan, 432nd Air Expeditionary Group Commander. “Over the last ten days, we’ve successfully prevented approximately 845 lbs. of narcotics from being trafficked into our country. We are proud of our Texas National Guard members on this mission and are grateful for our partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety.”  

FRONTON, Texas – The Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety have secured an island along the US and Mexico border, long considered one of the most dangerous areas in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Texas National Guard and its law enforcement partners were no strangers to the area near the small community of Fronton, and its formerly lawless island in the Rio Grande. The island has long been known as an area for cartel smuggling operations involving narcotics, weapons, money and high-value individuals. The densely-wooded area provided concealment for trans-national criminal activity, and has been a problem for decades according to law enforcement familiar with the area.

Operation Lone Star Guardsmen began securing the island and denying access to cartels in early October. Security operations cleared the area of criminals to protect Guardsmen there. Extensive brush clearing and road construction was completed by Guard engineers followed by installing triple-strand concertina wire along the shore.

“Our engineer teams installed over 1.4 miles of wire along the Texas-Mexico border,” said Sgt. Jake Jordan, Joint Task Force Lone Star Special Response Team platoon sergeant. “The project was executed in a timely and safe manner, and provides not only the wire blocking obstacle, but allows Guard and law enforcement freedom of maneuver around the entire island.”

Although illicit narcotics and weapons smuggling had been the primary use of the area in recent years, cartel organizations had recently begun escorting large groups of illegal immigrants in the Fronton area, using the island to enter the U.S. without detection. The clearing project and concertina-wire obstacles help prevent these large groups from crossing illegally, according to OLS officials.

“Clearing the 170 plus acres of heavy brush by our engineers will provide excellent visibility of the island down to the Rio Grande River,” said Lt. Col. Johnny Guerrero, Joint Task Force Lone Star Chief of Staff. “That visibility will allow our security points and law enforcement partners to observe illegal smuggling prior to crossing the river.”

Fronton Island has been transformed from a criminal haven to a safe area of operations to protect Texas from illegal drugs, weapons and human trafficking. Texas National Guard skill, manpower and resources are directly contributing to the safety of Texas.

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