Story by: SPC Matt Bramanti

Posted: June 23, 2015

AUSTIN – Amid shouts of “Come And Take It,” nearly 40 soldiers from around the state completed Regional Basic Orientation Training in May, marking the largest class to date.

The training, which spanned two weekends in April and May, gave recruits an introduction to the mission and capabilities of the Texas State Guard.

The April session focused on classroom sessions covering TXSG history, military customs and courtesy, first aid, land navigation and radio communications, as well as introductions to shelter operations. In May, recruits put those classes into practice, with a leadership reaction course and urban land navigation exercise. Recruits also had the opportunity to earn the Physical Fitness Ribbon.

While many recruits hailed from 2RGT, the course included participants from other Army Component outfits, as well as the Air Component, Medical Brigade and Maritime Regiment. SSG Angie Ogle, an instructor from TXSG J-3, said the group’s diverse unit assignments strengthened the platoon.

“They came together as a cohesive unit despite being from different units and branches,” Ogle said.  “That ability to work together embodies what the TXSG is about.“

That cohesiveness was evident in the platoon’s teamwork. With the famed Gonzales flag as its guidon, the platoon adopted the Texas Revolution  slogan “Come and take it” as its motto, and worked together outside of class to prepare for the written examination covering all RBOT courses. For the first time in the history of the RBOT program, all recruits passed the test on the first try.

CSM Richard Chamberlain, Commandant of the 2RGT RBOT program, praised the NCOs from his regiment who served as instructors.

“Most of the cadre from the 2nd are graduates of the course, so they know both sides of the coin,” Chamberlain said. “They want the soldiers to be successful and push themselves to accomplish challenges they didn't believe they could.”

One of those soldiers was PV2 Cody Allen, who overcame a fear of public speaking to serve as a squad leader and platoon leader. Allen credited the RBOT program with giving him a new level of confidence.

“RBOT was the most rewarding experience that I have personally been through,” Allen said. “I gained something most special - a bond with the brothers and sisters that I have worked and trained with.”