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"Texans Defending Texas"

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLIC RELEASE:

Gov. Perry activates Texas National Guard to Southern Border

CAMP MABRY, Texas (July 21, 2014) – Gov. Rick Perry today announced the activation of up to 1,000 Texas National Guard troops on state active duty orders to the southern border in support of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Operation Strong Safety. 

The Texas National Guard will work in full support of this state-led border security surge operation, whereby local, state and federal law enforcement partners are coordinating ground, river and air operations to deter criminal activity along the Texas-Mexico border.

The Texas National Guard is in the process of identifying units and individuals with the required expertise who will begin mobilizing and training for this mission. Once these plans are finalized, Guardsmen will begin training exercises, with assistance from DPS, to prepare for their role on the border. They are expected to deploy within the next 30 days to serve as force multipliers in support of the governor’s request. 

“Our mission, similar to missions we have accomplished in the past, will be to support DPS in the ongoing Operation Strong Safety to combat the pervasive criminal elements operating along the border and to prevent them from crossing over into the U.S.,” said Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, The Adjutant General of Texas. “Under my command, and in coordination with DPS, the Texas National Guard will enhance security efforts by amplifying the visible presence on the ground and along the Rio Grande River, work alongside commissioned law enforcement officers to detect and prevent criminals from infiltrating through the international border, and help ensure the safety of our fellow Texans.”

The Texas National Guard has a history of working with local, state and federal partners.  The participation of the Guard with DPS in this mission will not impact any ongoing operations, or the Guard’s ability to respond to any natural disasters or incidents in the state.
The troops will use their training, equipment and expertise to support the DPS and enhance security on the border, and will function entirely at the request of and in support of their civilian counterparts.

The Guard will continue to stand ready and willing to serve our state, nation and citizens.

For more information, please contact the Texas Adjutant General’s State Public Affairs Office at 512-782-5620 or email at ng.tx.txarng.mbx.pao@mail.mil. 

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The mission of the Texas Military Forces (TXMF) 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 Forces are commanded by the Adjutant General of Texas, the state's senior military official appointed by the governor, and is comprised of the Texas Military Department (formerly the Adjutant General's Department), the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), the Texas Air National Guard (TXANG), the Texas State Guard (TXSG) and the Domestic Operations Command (DOMOPS).

For more information about the Texas Military Forces visit our Website at www.txmf.us.