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Texas Military Department
Texas Military Department
Texas Military Department
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Texas Military Department
Agency overview
Formed5 August 1836; 190 years ago (1836) (as War Department)
Preceding agencies
  • War Department
    (1836-1846)
  • Department of Texas
    (1850-1913)
  • Adjutant General Department
    (1913-2015)
JurisdictionTexas government
HeadquartersBuilding Eight
Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas
30°18′42.173″N 97°45′38.338″W
MottoTexans Serving Texas
Employees4,300 (federal)
550 (state)
23,200 (service members)
Annual budget$101.1 million, FY2017
(58% federal)
(0.006% of TX GDP)[1]
Agency executive
Parent departmentOffice of The Governor of Texas
Child agencies
Websitetmd.texas.gov

The Texas Military Department (TMD) is an executive branch agency of the Texas government.[2] Along with the Texas Department of Public Safety, it is charged with providing the security of Texas, which has the second-largest population, border, and economy in the United States.[3][4] It also provides administration of the Texas Military Forces (TXMF), the principal instrument through which it executes security policy. TXMF currently include the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard.[5] It formerly included the Texas Rangers, Texas Army, Texas Navy, and Texas Marines.

The Texas Military Department also maintains a variety of civic engagement initiatives to support public relations, accountability, transparency, and safety awareness. It hosts an annual open house and toy drive. It also hosts the Texas ChalleNGe Academy, Texas STARBASE, Project 1836, and Texas Military Forces Museum. It also publishes The Dispatch magazine, TMDTV, smartphone applications, and social-media channels.[6]

The Texas Military Department (TMD) is commanded by the adjutant general of Texas, who is appointed by and reports to the governor of Texas.[7] Headquartered at Building Eight in Camp Mabry, TMD's stated mission is to "provide the governor and President with ready forces in support of state and federal authorities at home and abroad."[8] It is empowered by Article 4, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution to "execute the laws of the State, to suppress insurrections, and to repel invasions."[9]

History

[edit]
See also: List of conflicts involving the Texas Military, Texas Military Forces Museum, and Texas State Cemetery

The TMD was established as the War Department of the Republic of Texas on August 5, 1836. It was empowered by Article II of the Constitution of the Republic of Texas and initially comprised the Office of the Adjutant General, Texas militia, Texas Army, Texas Navy, and Texas Rangers. In the years between the Texas Revolution and Mexican War as a sovereign republic, the department remained active in land, sea, and guerilla combat operations and expeditions. Most notably, the Battle of Salado Creek, Naval Battle of Campeche, Texas-Indian Wars, and Texan Santa Fe Expedition.[10]

When Texas joined the United States, the Texas Army and Navy were integrated into the United States Armed Forces. The War Department was redesignated the Department of Texas and consisted of the Office of the Adjutant General, Texas militia, and Texas Rangers. The department was abolished from February 4, 1856 - April 6, 1860 due to a fire on October 10, 1855 that destroyed nearly all records.

During the Civil War, most of the department's service members fought under command of the Confederate States War Department (Texas Confederate units). Some service members fought under command of the United States War Department (Texas Union units). However, the Department of Texas maintained provincial "Home Guard" forces for defense of the state. They are credited with leaving Texas the only Confederate state unconquered by the Union Army following three failed efforts, including the Second Battle of Sabine Pass, which is also among the most notable victories of the Civil War. They are also credited with the final battle and victory of the Civil War at the Battle of Palmito Ranch.

The department was again abolished from January 1, 1867 to June 24, 1870 during the military occupation and reconstruction of Texas. After Texas was readmitted to the United States on March 30, 1870, the department was reestablished and empowered by the Constitution of Texas to fight unrest and restore order. It comprised the Office of the Adjutant General, Texas militia, and Texas State Police (Texas Rangers). Following the Militia Act of 1903, the Texas militia became the Texas National Guard. During World War I, the Department of Texas was re-designated the Adjutant General Department and again maintained provincial "Home Guard" forces for defense of the state, while the Texas National Guard was under federal command. By 1935, the Texas Rangers had evolved from a paramilitary force to a police force and were reorganized under the Texas Department of Public Safety. During World War II, the United States Congress amended the National Defense Act of 1916 permanently authorizing the "Home Guard" defense forces as the Texas State Guard. The Adjutant General Department was colloquially referred to as the "Texas Military" from 2006 to 2015. On October 28, 2015 the Adjutant General Department was officially rebranded as the Texas Military Department.[11]

The Texas Military Department has not waged a combat operation since the 19th century, but its units have participated in the Mexican War, Spanish War, Philippine War,[12] Mexican Expedition, World War I, World War II, Cold War, and War on Terror[13] under command of the United States Department of Defense.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the Texas Military Department has been primarily engaged in military operations other than war, including manmade- and natural-disaster operations, search-and-rescue operations, counterdrug operations, and border-security operations. Most notable are the Mexican drug war, Texas City Disaster, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, Bastrop County Complex Fire, Operation Jump Start, Operation Phalanx, Operation Faithful Patriot, Operation Strong Safety, Operation Border Star, Operation Drawbridge, and Operation River Watch.

Authority

[edit]
See also: Texas House Defense & Veterans' Affairs Committee, Texas Senate Veteran Affairs & Border Security Committee, Texas Military Preparedness Commission, Texas House of Representatives § Committees, Texas Senate § Committee structure, and Government of Texas § State agencies

The Texas Military Department exists under civilian control. It is empowered by Article 4, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution to "execute the laws of the State, to suppress insurrections, and to repel invasions" and Texas Government Code Title 4, Subtitle C, Chapters 431, 433, and 437. It is governed by the Texas Code of Military Justice and commanded by the Commander-in-Chief of Texas and Adjutant General of Texas.[9]

Administration

[edit]
See also: Governor of Texas and Adjutant General of Texas
Major General Thomas M. Suelzer, 53rd Adjutant General of Texas
Texas Military Department organizational chart, April 2018

The Texas Military Department is required by law to maintain duplicate federal and state offices for many administrative functions such as human resources, finance, and payroll. TMD divides these traditional agency functions between federal administrative offices under the adjutant general's chief of staff and a state executive director.

Office of the Adjutant General

[edit]

The Adjutant General (TAG) of Texas is the commander and chief executive officer of the Texas Military Department. The adjutant general's position of authority over Texas Military Forces is second only to the commander-in-chief, the Governor of Texas. This position is analogous to the United States Secretary of Defense. The Adjutant General of Texas is appointed by the Governor of Texas with the advice and consent of the Texas Senate from Texas Government Code Title 4, Subtitle C, Chapter 437.003.[14]

The Constitution of Texas] vests all military authority in the commander-in-chief, an elected position, to maintain civilian control of the military. Because it is impractical for the governor of Texas to operate the entire government, the authority is delegated via commission to the adjutant general. The adjutant general, secretary of state, attorney general, and comptroller are generally regarded as the most important executive positions in the government of Texas. [citation needed]

The Office of the Adjutant General (OAG) is the general and his/her deputy's (mainly) civilian staff.

OAG is the principal staff element of the Adjutant General in the exercise of policy development, planning, resource management, fiscal and program evaluation and oversight, and interface and exchange with other Texas Government departments and agencies, foreign governments, and international organizations, through formal and informal processes. OAG also performs oversight and management of Texas Military Forces.[15]

Office of the Executive Director

[edit]

The Executive Director is the civilian officer responsible for state administration, such as state payroll, state purchasing, and state human resources. These functions impact almost all of TMD's operations as many routine purchases supporting military operations use state funds, as does payroll for state active duty missions. The executive director oversees 45 state employees carrying out these state support functions, as well as coordinates with the 505 other state employees and approximately 4,300 federal personnel working in other programs and reporting through different chains of command. Despite the implications of the title, the executive director reports to the adjutant general, who ultimately maintains responsibility for all department activities and decisions. Overall, the executive director generally functions as the voice for state administrative concerns within the department's larger military organization.

Joint staff

[edit]

The joint staff coordinates operations using the Texas Military Forces and advises on common functions such as readiness, planning, and logistics.

Domestic Operations Command

[edit]

The Domestic Operations Command, commonly referred to as DOMOPS, is a unified command of the Texas Military Department established in 2011 to improve response time, maximize equipment and personnel capabilities, place various critical domestic operations programs on a sustainable footing, and maximize use of public taxes for the Texas Military Forces. It consists of the TMD Joint Staff, Joint Task Force 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), 176th Engineer Brigade, Joint Counter Drug Task Force, and Southwest Border Task Force.[16]

Awards and decorations

[edit]
Main article: Awards and decorations of the Texas Military

Awards and decorations of the Texas Military are the medals, ribbons, badges, tabs, trophies, plaques, certificates, memorials, and monuments that recognize service and achievement while serving in the Texas Military Forces.

Capability

[edit]

Forces

[edit]
Main article: Texas Military Forces
MQ-9 Reaper - 147th Attack Wing

They include infantry, paratroopers, special forces, armored cavalry, field artillery, communication, cyber, intelligence, support, medical, engineering, civil affairs, and weapon of mass destruction response units totalling over 23,000 service members. It also maintains a fleet of manned and unmanned aircraft with strike and reconnaissance capabilities, a fleet of rotorcraft, and a fleet of brown-water watercraft. It maintains a statewide network of garrison, training, and monitoring installations. It maintains command and control through shelter and mobile tactical operations centers.[4][17][18][19]

Education

[edit]

The Texas Military Department operates two independent and comprehensive professional military education systems divided between National Guard and State Guard forces. The latter includes basic training through officer candidate school and staff college.

Civic engagement

[edit]
See also: Civil–military relations

Media

[edit]

Application

[edit]

The Texas Military Department developed and maintains an eponymous software application for smartphone operating systems iOS,[20] Android,[21] and Windows.[22] The app offers a variety of tools and provides realtime press releases, news, and safety alerts.[23]

The Dispatch

[edit]

In August 1943, the Texas State Guard Officers’ Association launched a monthly magazine called The Texas Guardsman. It was later known as The Guardsman, then The State Guardsman (a national publication), and today as The Dispatch. The Dispatch is a digital magazine published monthly on the Texas Military Department's website.[24]

Public reports

[edit]

The Texas Military Department makes a variety of reports available to the public through the Texas Military Department's website. They include select military operation after-action reviews, annual and biennial reports and audits, legislative appropriation, sunset reports, select strategic plans, and the "Mission Ready Package Catalog", which outlines its capabilities.[25]

TMDTV

[edit]

The Texas Military Department provides an inside look at the Texas Military Forces missions, training, and capabilities through video content published on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.[26]

Open House

[edit]

The Texas Military Department Open House, also known as "American Heroes Weekend", is a free, annual event hosted at Camp Mabry in conjunction with the American Heroes Air Show. It enables citizens to learn about TMD's missions and capabilities and interact with Texas Military Forces service members. The event includes helicopter demonstrations, emergency and first responder displays, World War II reenactments, children's activities, and a career fair. It attracts approximately 20,000 guests each year.[27]

Texas ChalleNGe Academy

[edit]
See also: Youth Challenge Program

The Texas Challenge Academy (styled ChalleNGe) is the Texas affiliate of the Youth Challenge Program operated by the Texas National Guard.[28]

It operates a free, 5+1⁄2-month residential and 12-month post-residential education program for at-risk 16- to 18-year-old students. The program is designed to help students who are "disengaged, at-risk of dropping out, or have already dropped out of high school and is available to qualified students without regard to race, sex, religious affiliation, or household income."

The program is set in a military environment, complete with uniforms, rank, bearing, and instructors to "help cadets develop personal accountability and earn high school credit recovery, general education development, or a high school diploma." The Texas Challenge Academy is an accredited high school through Rice Consolidated Independent School District.

The Texas Challenge Academy is a volunteer program. There is no military obligation for students, nor is it considered a juvenile detention center, court-ordered boot camp, or drug/alcohol treatment center. It has no affiliation with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Texas STARBASE Austin

[edit]
See also: STARBASE
Commanding General MG Gerald R. Betty and soldiers, Young Heroes Toy Drive, 2015

The Texas STARBASE Austin is the Texas affiliate of the United States Department of Defense STARBASE program.[29]

It provides 5th grade students with free instruction in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), in addition to aviation and aerospace. The curriculum consists of rigorous activities, interactive investigations, experiments, simulations, and on-site tours demonstrating use of STEM in the workplace. Classroom instruction includes Newton's laws of motion, Bernoulli's principle, navigation and mapping, flight simulation, investigations of nanotechnology and nanoengineering, atmospheric properties, rocketry, engineering design process, computer-aided design (CAD), and 3D manufacturing. Students explore STEM careers, processes for goal setting and teamwork skills, the importance of staying in school, and remaining a life-long learner. Certified educators teach the curriculum with the assistance of Texas Military Forces service members and community volunteers with technical and content expertise. All curriculum content and student activities are correlated to state and national science, technology, and math standards.

It can host up to 64 students per class. The instruction is typically delivered in five-hour blocks, once a week, for five consecutive weeks.

Young Heroes Toy Drive

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The Young Heroes Toy Drive, also known as "Young Heroes of the Guard", is an annual toy drive operated by the Texas State Guard for the Christmas and holiday season. Since 2009, it has collected and distributed nearly 250,000 toys to Texas children.[30]

Project 1836

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See also: 1836 Project

Project 1836 is an initiative by the Texas Military Department that highlights and celebrates service in the Texas Military Forces.[31]

Installations

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Texas Military Department HQ, Building Eight, Camp Mabry

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Texas Military Department

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Texas Military Department (TMD) is the state agency that administers and supports Texas's military forces, comprising the , , and . Headquartered at in Austin, TMD provides leadership, training, equipment, and administrative oversight to these components, enabling them to execute missions ranging from state defense and to and support for federal operations. Commanded by the , appointed by the , TMD traces its origins to the War Department of the established in 1836, evolving into a modern force dedicated to mission-ready personnel engaged in community support and emergency augmentation. Its structure, defined by Texas Government Code Chapter 437, emphasizes domestic operations, including the Homeland Response Force for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives incidents. TMD has distinguished itself through sustained border security efforts, such as , where it deploys guardsmen alongside state to interdict and deter unlawful entries, building on over a century of defense roles. The department also coordinates rapid responses to , counterdrug operations, and innovative initiatives like the Joint Innovation Unit for technology integration, underscoring its adaptability and relevance in contemporary threats.

History

Origins and Establishment

The War Department of the Republic of Texas was created shortly after independence to oversee the nascent nation's defense amid ongoing threats from and Native American tribes. Following the adoption of the on March 17, 1836, the executive structure included a Secretary of and , appointed by the president with Senate confirmation, to direct military policy and operations. This department managed a modest of approximately 700 men by late 1836, supplemented by volunteer forces, to secure borders stretching from the Sabine River to the . The military framework encompassed the for conventional engagements, a small of captured Mexican vessels for coastal patrol, the Texas Rangers as mounted ranger companies for rapid frontier response, and a general drawn from able-bodied white male citizens aged 18 to 49. These elements addressed persistent Mexican incursions, such as raids by forces loyal to , and Native American hostilities, particularly Comanche depredations on settlements, necessitating decentralized ranger units for scouting and punitive expeditions. Financial constraints limited the standing forces, with reliance on musters and ad hoc volunteers funded through land bounties and script. Upon to the on December 29, 1845, Texas transitioned its military apparatus by disbanding the regular army and navy while preserving state authority over the for local defense. The 1846 Militia Act organized the state into five divisions of two brigades each, integrating volunteer companies like the Texas Rangers into federal mobilization protocols under the U.S. Militia Act of 1792, yet retaining gubernatorial command for non-federalized service against frontier threats. This dual structure allowed Texas to cede public military assets to the federal government while maintaining autonomous elements for internal security.

Evolution Through Statehood and Civil War

Following to the on December 29, 1845, Texas transitioned its Republic-era military structures, including the regular army, volunteer forces, , and ranger corps, toward integration with federal systems while preserving state-level capabilities for local defense and security. The U.S. assumed primary responsibility for external threats, such as during the Mexican-American War, stationing troops along the border and establishing forts, but Texas maintained units under gubernatorial authority to address internal disorders and Indian raids. This dual structure underscored Texas's retention of sovereignty in domestic military affairs, with state forces numbering in the thousands by the late , organized into volunteer companies for rapid mobilization. Texas's ordinance, ratified on February 23, 1861, aligned its military with the Confederacy, leading to the enlistment of approximately 70,000 to 90,000 Texans in Confederate service across 45 cavalry regiments, 23 infantry regiments, and supporting artillery and battalion units. Prominent among these was the 8th Texas Cavalry Regiment, known as , organized in in September 1861 with 1,170 men recruited from counties across the state under Colonel Benjamin Franklin Terry. This unit participated in key eastern theater campaigns, including the and Chickamauga, earning a reputation for aggressive scouting and dismounted combat despite lacking formal training or initial horses from the state. Meanwhile, portions of the remained active for state defense, patrolling frontiers against and incursions and suppressing Unionist unrest in regions like the German-settled Hill Country, thereby sustaining internal security amid the diversion of regular forces to Confederate armies. The Civil War's end in 1865 initiated federal military occupation of Texas under the Reconstruction Acts, suspending state militia operations and imposing Union Army oversight from May 1865 until state readmission in 1870, during which command changed eight times and civil governance was provisional. Tensions arose from federal enforcement of loyalty oaths and disarmament of ex-Confederates, limiting Texas's ability to organize independent forces for frontier protection or law enforcement, though ad hoc ranger companies continued informal border duties. By February 1870, with the end of military rule, the Texas Legislature enacted a Militia Bill authorizing volunteer companies under gubernatorial control, reestablishing structured state forces numbering around 10,000 by the mid-1870s to restore order and defend against persistent Indian threats without reliance on federal troops. This revival affirmed the continuity of Texas's constitutional authority over its militia, distinct from federal structures, despite Reconstruction's disruptions.

20th Century Developments and World Wars

In response to Pancho Villa's raid on , on March 9, 1916, President ordered the mobilization of units, including the Texas , for border duty along the U.S.- frontier beginning June 18, 1916. Texas Guardsmen, numbering in the thousands, patrolled the region to deter further incursions and secure the border until their recall in early 1917, providing critical experience in logistics and field operations that informed later federal integrations. Following U.S. entry into in April 1917, the Texas was fully federalized, with its units forming the core of the 36th Infantry Division alongside elements; the division trained stateside before deploying to France in October 1918, participating in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. This dual role highlighted the Guard's evolving balance between state defense priorities and federal wartime demands, as border service delayed but ultimately enhanced preparations for overseas combat. As tensions escalated toward , the Texas National Guard faced preemptive federalization starting in late 1940, with most units called into active service by March 1941 to bolster U.S. defenses and train for global deployment. To fill the resulting void in home defense, the authorized the Texas Defense Guard on February 10, 1941, renamed the in May 1943, explicitly barred from federal service and tasked with protecting state infrastructure, coastal security, and internal stability against potential invasion or sabotage. Texas contributions to the war effort were substantial, with approximately 750,000 Texans enlisting or being drafted into federal service, comprising over 15% of the state's population and supporting campaigns across , the Pacific, and through Guard-derived divisions like the 36th . The State Guard's activations for and vigilance underscored its state-centric mission, enabling the federalized Guard to focus on expeditionary roles without compromising Texas's territorial sovereignty. Post-World War II reorganization in 1946–1947 integrated Texas into the newly independent U.S. Air Force structure, establishing the on September 18, 1947, which expanded aerial capabilities with fighter and reconnaissance squadrons amid rising threats. Ground components grew through the reformation of the 36th Infantry Division and creation of the 49th Armored Division, reflecting increased federal emphasis on reserve forces for potential Soviet confrontation. During the , Texas Military Department elements, including the State Guard, incorporated functions such as planning, emergency communications, and disaster preparedness drills, aligning state militias with national strategies against nuclear and conventional risks while maintaining readiness for both domestic emergencies and federal call-ups. This period marked a shift toward sustained modernization and dual-use , with Guard units training for rapid mobilization to counterbalance active-duty limitations.

Post-Cold War Reforms and Modernization

In the aftermath of the , the Texas Military Department focused on streamlining its structure to prioritize state-specific missions amid reduced federal threats and base realignments across Texas. The , integrated under the department's umbrella, benefited from 1987 legislative provisions that exempted it from federal service obligations, enabling dedicated roles in and disaster support without conflicting with federal activations. This separation underscored Texas's emphasis on maintaining a state-controlled force for non-federal contingencies, distinct from dual-status units subject to Title 10 or Title 32 federalization. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks prompted significant expansions in capabilities, with the Texas National Guard shifting resources toward domestic readiness while balancing overseas deployments. Legislative frameworks reinforced state primacy, culminating in the 2013 enactment of Texas Government Code Chapter 437, which formalized the Texas Military Department's administrative oversight of the , , and , granting the governor explicit authority to activate forces for state emergencies like natural disasters and border security without . Subsequent amendments, including 2015 provisions for extended state active duty benefits and 2019 additions authorizing cyber support to the State Guard, enhanced operational flexibility for intrastate missions. Disaster responses exemplified these reforms, as Texas forces were rapidly mobilized under state control. In 2005, Texas National Guard units, including security forces and Medical Rangers, supported relief efforts, conducting evacuations, medical aid, and logistics in coordination with interstate operations. Three years later, during , Governor activated up to 7,500 personnel on state active duty for search-and-rescue, evacuation of over 870 individuals via C-130 aircraft, and cargo transport exceeding 540 tons, demonstrating the department's augmented capacity for large-scale, governor-directed responses. These activations highlighted the post-9/11 prioritization of scalable, state-led readiness over purely federal alignments.

State Constitutional and Statutory Powers

The Texas Constitution designates the governor as of the state military forces, granting explicit authority under Article IV, Section 7 to call forth the to execute state laws, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. This provision establishes the foundational state prerogative for mobilizing forces in response to internal disorders or external threats, independent of federal involvement, and underscores the governor's role in maintaining public order without deference to national command structures unless dual-status activations occur. Statutory authority for the Texas Military Department (TMD) resides primarily in Texas Government Code Chapter 437, which defines the TMD as the state agency overseeing administrative support for , including the , , and . Section 437.002 affirms the governor's position as , empowering the issuance of orders for organization, armament, and equipping of these forces to ensure readiness for state missions. Chapter 437 further delineates funding mechanisms, with state appropriations allocated through the General Appropriations Act for operations, training, and maintenance, distinct from federal reimbursements under Title 32 status. Deployment protocols under state active duty, as authorized by Section 437.004 and related provisions, enable the to activate forces for , public safety, and security without requiring federal activation under Title 10 or Title 32. This status maintains full state control over command, , and liability, allowing rapid deployment to address emergencies such as or threats to , with personnel compensated via state pay scales rather than federal equivalents. Such activations prioritize state , enabling missions like enforcement operations that align with constitutional imperatives to repel invasions, funded and directed solely by state resources when not integrated with federal support.

Relationship with Federal Military Structures

The and , as components of the Texas Military Department, embody the National Guard's inherent dual-status framework, enabling service under state command for intrastate emergencies while remaining available for federal activation in national defense scenarios. In Title 32 status, these units operate under the authority of the and , retaining state control over mission execution despite federal funding and regulatory oversight from the , which coordinates training standards and resource allocation to ensure interoperability with active-duty forces. This arrangement preserves Texas' autonomy in deploying Guard personnel for state-specific needs, such as civil support, while aligning with federal readiness requirements. Federal mobilization under Title 10 authority transfers full command to the President through the Secretary of Defense, subordinating Texas National Guard elements to the Department of Defense's operational chain and integrating them into the Total Force structure for overseas contingencies or domestic federal missions. The serves as the primary federal interface, advising on Guard matters and facilitating seamless transitions between statuses, though state governors retain veto power over certain activations absent a national emergency declaration. Intergovernmental frictions emerge when federal immigration policies—characterized by enforcement restraint and resource prioritization elsewhere—create border vulnerabilities that compel to invoke its residual to safeguard state interests, as seen in sustained state-led deployments compensating for federal operational gaps. Such state initiatives under Title 32 or state have prompted federal legal challenges and threats of federalization, underscoring constitutional tensions over border defense authority where federal non-enforcement effectively delegates responsibility to border states. These dynamics reveal structural limitations in the federal framework, where centralized policy decisions can hinder localized responses to asymmetric threats like uncontrolled migration flows. The of 1878 prohibits federal military forces from direct participation in civilian law enforcement absent congressional authorization or presidential waiver, but exempts units in state-controlled statuses, permitting Texas forces to furnish indirect support—such as , barrier maintenance, and logistical aid—to state and local agencies without violating the statute. In Title 32 border missions, this distinction allows Guard personnel to augment federal agencies like Customs and Border Protection in non-enforcement capacities, though federal oversight ensures compliance with broader restrictions, with waivers issued sparingly for exceptional circumstances like insurrection. This legal carve-out reinforces state primacy in domestic security roles, mitigating risks of military overreach while exposing federal dependencies on gubernatorial cooperation for effective Title 32 operations.

Command and Control Mechanisms

The serves as the of the state's military forces, as established by Article IV, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution, which designates the with authority over these forces except when federalized for service. This role grants the ultimate decision-making power for activation, deployment, and operational directives during state emergencies or missions. The may delegate operational authority to the , who is subordinate solely to the in military matters and holds responsibility for leading and managing the . In practice, the Adjutant General exercises day-to-day command through the Texas Military Department's Joint Force Headquarters, which coordinates across the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and State Guard components. For multi-branch operations, unified command is achieved via Joint Task Forces, such as those established for domestic operations or border security, enabling integrated planning and execution under a single headquarters. These structures facilitate rapid response by aligning resources from diverse units while maintaining clear chains of command from the Adjutant General downward. Interagency coordination is integral to state missions, with the Texas Military Department collaborating closely with the (DPS) and local authorities to support , disaster response, and border security efforts. This includes joint deployments where military personnel assist DPS in tactical operations and provide logistical support to municipal and county entities, ensuring operational alignment without supplanting civilian leadership. Such mechanisms emphasize the department's role in augmenting rather than replacing state and local capabilities during activations.

Leadership and Administration

Office of the Adjutant General

![Major General Thomas M. Suelzer](.assets/Thomas_M.Suelzer(3) The of Texas serves as the senior uniformed officer and head of the Texas Military Department, acting as the Governor's primary military advisor and executive authority over state military forces. Appointed by the with the of the , the position carries a two-year term expiring of odd-numbered years. Major General Thomas M. Suelzer has held the office since March 14, 2022, succeeding Tracy J. Norris. Suelzer, a with prior service as Deputy for Air, was selected amid operational challenges in the Texas Military Department's border security efforts, including reported issues with troop welfare, equipment shortages, and mission effectiveness under Norris's leadership during . The bears responsibility for the overall leadership, management, accountability, and operations of , encompassing policy formulation, program execution, budgeting, resource allocation, and coordination with federal entities such as the . This includes supervising training, equipping, and deploying forces for state emergencies while ensuring compliance with federal standards for units. As of October 2025, Suelzer continues to oversee these functions, including ongoing border operations and preparations.

Executive Directorate

The Executive Directorate of the Texas Military Department handles operational management and administrative support, overseeing , , finance, purchasing, and related functions for the in both state and federal capacities. This civilian-led entity ensures the provision of essential resources, personnel management, and budgetary controls necessary for mission execution across the , , and . Appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the , the acts as the primary advisor on state administrative matters and directs a dedicated staff focused on sustaining readiness. As of 2024, Mike W. Gorby serves as and Director of State Administration, coordinating these efforts to support the department's dual state-federal obligations. The directorate has been instrumental in maintaining long-term deployments, particularly through efficient logistics and financial oversight for extended operations like border security missions. In light of the administrative surge from —launched on March 7, 2021, and involving sustained mobilization of thousands of personnel—the directorate expanded its capabilities to address escalated demands in human resources processing, supply chain management, and fiscal accountability.

Joint Staff and Support Elements

The Joint Staff of the Texas Military Department, integrated within the Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ), serves as the primary planning and execution element for coordinating operations across the , , and . Modeled on the active-duty Joint Staff of the Chairman of the , it utilizes a standardized J-series structure, including J-1 for manpower and personnel, J-2 for , J-3 for operations (with subsections such as J37 for counter-narcotics and J38 for defense support of civil authorities), and J-4 for logistics, to ensure unified in state and federal missions. Led by Director Brigadier General Tanya R. Trout since April 2023, the Joint Staff provides advisory support on readiness, strategic planning, and resource allocation to the and executive leadership. It facilitates full-spectrum support for domestic operations, homeland defense, and deployments, deploying adaptive battle staff teams to synchronize component efforts during non-forward operations. Support elements under the JFHQ umbrella, including the Camp Mabry Garrison and separate subordinate units, handle administrative, logistical, and sustainment functions to enable rapid response for missions such as disaster relief and security operations. Following the initiation of in March 2021, the Joint Staff underwent enhancements to manage the complexities of hybrid state-federal border security tasks, integrating multi-component forces for surveillance, logistics, and operational coordination along the Texas-Mexico border.

Military Components

Texas Army National Guard

The Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG) serves as the primary ground combat force of the Texas Military Department, comprising approximately 19,000 soldiers organized into maneuver, support, and aviation units primarily under the 36th Infantry Division. These forces include infantry brigades, armored cavalry squadrons such as the , and aviation elements within the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, enabling versatile operations across Texas's varied landscapes from coastal plains to arid border regions. Equipped with modern armored vehicles including M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks and M2A2 Bradley fighting vehicles, the TXARNG maintains heavy maneuver capabilities suited for rapid deployment in state defense scenarios, such as securing expansive rural and frontier areas. Ground units are complemented by rotary-wing aviation assets like UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, which facilitate troop transport and tailored to Texas's challenges, including flood-prone rivers and wildfire-threatened terrains. In its dual federal-state role, TXARNG soldiers have mobilized for overseas combat in and , with elements of the 36th Division contributing to stability operations and since the early 2000s. Domestically, the Guard executes state-unique missions, such as barriers, conducting ground searches during hurricanes, and providing in remote disaster zones, as demonstrated in responses where ground teams supported evacuations and infrastructure repair. This emphasis on ground-centric readiness distinguishes TXARNG's contributions to Texas's homeland defense priorities.

Texas Air National Guard

The (TXANG) consists of approximately 3,300 citizen-airmen organized into three flying wings and supporting squadrons, providing aerial capabilities distinct from ground-based forces. These units fulfill dual missions under state control for emergencies like and under federal activation for national defense and overseas operations. The 136th Airlift Wing, stationed at Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, operates C-130J Super aircraft for tactical airlift, including troop transport and logistics support. The at in employs MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes. The , based at Kelly Field Annex of , flies F-16 Fighting Falcon jets for air superiority, interception, and roles. TXANG personnel have conducted state missions such as aerial evacuations and flood rescues during on August 25-30, 2017, aiding in the extraction of hundreds from inundated areas alongside other agencies. Federally mobilized units contribute to air sovereignty through fighter alert scrambles and NORAD-integrated patrols, as well as deployments for combat airlift and remotely piloted operations in theaters like the . Ellington Field supports integrated TXANG and Texas Military Department activities, facilitating rapid response for both and state-directed humanitarian efforts.

Texas State Guard

The Texas State Guard (TXSG) serves as Texas's , an all-volunteer component of the Texas Military Department dedicated to augmenting state emergency response and without any federal mobilization authority or funding. Tracing its origins to the State Guard organized in 1871, the modern TXSG evolved from the Texas Defense Guard established by legislative act on February 10, 1941, specifically to fill the homeland defense gap during when the Texas was federalized. Governed solely by the under Chapter 437 of the Texas Government Code and Title 32 of the U.S. Code, it maintains no dual state-federal allegiance, ensuring its forces remain available for intrastate duties such as and logistical support. With approximately 2,200 members as of 2015, the TXSG emphasizes rapid deployment for supplemental roles, including and community stabilization. Organizationally, the TXSG comprises specialized components tailored to diverse operational needs: army ground forces for and , a maritime handling waterborne search-and-rescue and coastal security, air elements providing support and , and medical brigades for health crisis response. These are arrayed across four geographic regions headquartered in /Fort Worth, , Corpus Christi, and Austin, covering all 254 counties and enabling flexible activation for localized threats. Members, who include veterans and civilians, undergo state-specific training focused on non-combat roles like resource distribution and infrastructure assessment, with ranks mirroring U.S. structures but holding purely state authority. This setup prioritizes readiness for intrastate contingencies, distinct from the federally integrable components. The TXSG has been activated repeatedly for domestic crises, including logistical aid during the 2003 recovery, flood and hurricane response operations providing shelter and supply coordination, and wildfire suppression efforts such as the 2011 deployment of the 4th Regiment to assist in fire aftermath assessments. In 2020, Governor mobilized TXSG units alongside elements for mitigation, where they supported testing sites, vaccine distribution points, and medical surge capacity across the state. Additional activations have included border region support for tasks like community liaison and emergency infrastructure aid, underscoring its role in enhancing state sovereignty over internal security without crossing into federal domains.

Missions and Operations

Domestic Disaster Response and Emergency Support

The Texas Military Department coordinates rapid mobilization of its components—the , , and —for state-directed responses to and emergencies, emphasizing , logistical distribution of supplies, medical augmentation, and infrastructure stabilization under the Governor's authority via the Texas Division of Emergency Management. These activations prioritize immediate operational efficacy, often preceding federal assistance, with Guard units providing high-mobility assets like helicopters for hoist rescues and ground teams for floodwater extractions. In response to in August 2017, Governor activated the entire approximately 12,000-member Texas National Guard, enabling swift deployment for flood rescue operations across southeastern Texas. Guard aviation and engineer units, in coordination with local task forces, conducted over 2,400 extractions from inundated areas, including rooftop evacuations using UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and high-water vehicle operations that saved lives amid rainfall exceeding 50 inches in some regions. Ground elements supported debris clearance and supply delivery, distributing essentials to isolated communities while federal FEMA resources were still scaling up, demonstrating state forces' capacity for autonomous, localized action in catastrophic flooding. Similar rapid responses have addressed recurrent floods and ; for instance, in May 2015, approximately 100 Texas Military personnel mobilized for statewide flooding, conducting water rescues and route clearance. During wildfire seasons, Guard crews have provided aerial reconnaissance and water drops, supporting suppression efforts against over 30 active fires threatening populated areas. In July 2025 floods, and teams rescued at least 525 individuals via hoists and operations, mitigating fatalities from flash flooding that dumped nearly 30 inches of rain in hours. During the COVID-19 pandemic starting in March 2020, Governor Abbott directed activation of Texas National Guard and State Guard elements to bolster healthcare surge capacity, including site testing, medical staffing at alternate care facilities, and logistics for personal protective equipment distribution across the state. Texas State Guard units preemptively assisted with planning and community outreach even before formal orders, facilitating contact tracing and shelter-in-place enforcement without drawing on federal Title 32 authorities initially. These efforts emphasized scalable, non-combat support to civil infrastructure, enabling Texas to manage peak caseloads through decentralized Guard integrations at hospitals and testing sites.

Federal Mobilizations and Deployments

The Texas National Guard has played a significant role in federal mobilizations since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, supporting operations in the Global War on Terror (GWOT) through Title 10 activations under U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Central Command. Over 29,000 Texas National Guard members have deployed in GWOT efforts since 2001, with more than 23,000 serving in combat zones, primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan. These deployments included multiple brigade combat teams, such as the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which rotated to Iraq in 2008-2009 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Texas Army National Guard bore the brunt of ground force contributions, with more than 20,000 soldiers deployed to or by mid-2010 alone, encompassing infantry, aviation, and sustainment units integrated into active-duty divisions. The 36th Infantry Division, headquartered in Austin, mobilized headquarters elements and subordinate brigades for tours in both theaters, providing for multinational operations. By 2019, smaller task forces like Task Force continued rotations to the for multi-discipline security missions in . Texas Air National Guard units supported federal air operations, activating over 4,200 members for missions including combat air patrols and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The 147th Fighter Wing, based in , flew 284 air defense sorties over and , from December 2001 to March 2002 as part of . These activations strained state readiness, prompting debates over the balance between federal demands and domestic responsibilities, with some analyses highlighting retention pressures from repeated 12-18 month tours disrupting civilian careers. In the European theater, Texas National Guard elements have augmented federal efforts under U.S. European Command through the with nations like and , conducting joint training rotations amid heightened tensions following Russia's 2022 invasion of ; however, large-scale Title 10 deployments have primarily involved active Army units under . These contributions emphasize deterrence and , with Guard aviation and logistical assets participating in exercises like Swift Response to bolster readiness.

Border Security and Counter-Narcotics Efforts

The Texas Military Department's border security and counter-narcotics roles originated with the Counterdrug Program, authorized by in 1989 to leverage Guard assets for drug interdiction without direct authority. The Joint Counterdrug , operating under the Texas Military Department and directed by the governor, focuses on supporting federal, state, and local agencies through non-direct participation, including ground reconnaissance, aviation surveillance, , and training to detect and disrupt smuggling networks. These capabilities have been deployed along the Texas-Mexico border to monitor high-traffic corridors for narcotics trafficking, emphasizing detection over apprehension to comply with restrictions. Prior to 2021, the task force routinely aided U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under federal initiatives like , launched in 2010 with Texas National Guard ground teams establishing observation posts along the , expanding to helicopter and fixed-wing aviation reconnaissance by 2012 for real-time border surveillance. This support filled gaps in federal manpower and technology, as CBP faced resource strains from rising crossings; for example, Guard aviation logged thousands of flight hours annually, identifying suspicious activity leading to law enforcement interventions. Such efforts contributed to interdictions amid broader counterdrug outcomes, which included over $3 billion in nationwide drug seizures by 2019, highlighting military augmentation's role in amplifying civilian enforcement yields. Empirical data from these pre-2021 operations underscored federal limitations, with CBP reporting 851,508 nationwide apprehensions in FY 2020—many involving narcotics—yet estimating millions of "got-aways" evading detection, alongside a surge in encounters from 4,000 pounds in FY 2019 to over 11,000 pounds in FY 2020, primarily at ports. task force analytics and reconnaissance supported state-local operations that seized multi-ton quantities of , , and annually, but persistent trafficking volumes—driven by adaptations to federal deterrence shortfalls, such as reduced interior enforcement—revealed the insufficiency of federal-centric strategies, as overdose deaths climbed 30% nationally from 2019 to 2020 despite interdictions. These metrics demonstrated the necessity for sustained state military involvement to address causal factors like porous enforcement and policy-induced disincentives for smugglers.

Operation Lone Star

Initiation and Expansion

Operation Lone Star was announced on March 6, 2021, by Texas Governor in coordination with the (DPS), aimed at addressing the surge in and drug smuggling across the U.S.- border through enhanced enforcement and deterrence measures. The initiative initially focused on deploying DPS resources to high-threat areas, with subsequent activation of the Texas Military Department (TMD) to provide logistical, engineering, and security support, integrating Guard components under state control to augment state law enforcement capabilities. The operation's expansion accelerated in response to escalating border encounters, with Governor Abbott directing DPS and TMD on November 16, 2022, to employ "every available strategy" including aerial surveillance, ground patrols, and infrastructure development to combat cartels and human networks. By 2025, the mission had grown to involve over 10,000 personnel from TMD units, alongside deployments of marine barriers and river buoys in the to physically impede crossings, marking a shift from reactive policing to proactive territorial denial. This buildup reflected sustained state funding exceeding $11 billion, prioritizing rapid mobilization over federal coordination. Legally, the expansion drew on interpretations of Texas Constitution Article I, Section 23, which reserves to the state the right to defend against or imminent danger thereof, with Abbott formally declaring an "" at the border to invoke authority independent of claims. This clause-based rationale justified TMD's role in non-combatant support to DPS, emphasizing state in scenarios of perceived federal inaction, though contested in federal courts as overreach into .

Tactical Deployments and Infrastructure

In Operation Lone Star, Texas Military Department personnel have concentrated tactical deployments at high-threat border hotspots, including Eagle Pass, where National Guard engineers installed concertina razor wire along the Rio Grande to deter illegal crossings and rebuilt fencing at Shelby Park following federal access disputes. These efforts involved engineering units constructing physical barriers, such as segments of state-funded border wall and temporary shipping container obstructions, to channel migrant flows and support detection operations. Integration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection has included joint patrols and support roles, with Texas National Guard soldiers positioned alongside federal agents to observe and report on crossings while adhering to state authority limits on direct enforcement. The has contributed to maritime security through patrols along the , operating in coordination with floating marine barriers deployed to repel waterborne entries and interdict smuggling attempts. Reinforcements in El Paso intensified in 2025, with 60 Texas National Guard soldiers sworn in on February 27 to assist Border Patrol enforcement, followed by an additional 500 troops arriving in September to bolster ground presence and infrastructure maintenance amid heightened activity. These deployments emphasized rapid-response , such as reinforcing barriers and establishing observation posts, to enhance territorial control without encroaching on federal detention authority.

Measurable Outcomes and Strategic Impacts

Operation Lone Star has facilitated the apprehension of more than 514,000 illegal immigrants by Texas law enforcement since its launch in March 2021, contributing to disruptions in smuggling networks along the state's border sectors. These efforts have also yielded substantial narcotics seizures, including quantities equivalent to over 500 million lethal doses, with the cumulative street value of intercepted drugs exceeding billions when accounting for wholesale and retail estimates derived from federal valuation metrics. Such outcomes underscore the operation's role in interdicting cartel-supplied that federal agencies have struggled to contain amid record nationwide encounters surpassing 10 million from fiscal years 2021 to 2025. Deployments under the operation correlate with a reported 74% reduction in illegal crossings into as of mid-, a sharper decline than observed in other border states, suggesting effective deterrence through sustained state presence where federal resources proved insufficient. analyses indicate Texas's expenditure of approximately $11 billion has delivered tangible gains, including thousands of criminal arrests and builds, contrasting with federal policies that prioritized over prevention and incurred indirect societal costs from unchecked migration estimated in tens of billions annually by state fiscal reports. Strategically, the initiative has reinforced state-led by inspiring interstate assistance, with over a dozen states deploying personnel to under reciprocal agreements, thereby establishing a model of that circumvents centralized inaction and sustains long-term mechanisms. This multi-state framework asserts Tenth Amendment prerogatives, deterring future encroachments by demonstrating viable alternatives to national-level enforcement lapses.

Training, Readiness, and Capability

Professional Military Education

The Texas Military Department delivers Professional Military Education (PME) through tailored programs for its and State Guard components, focusing on leadership, operational skills, and mission-specific readiness. These initiatives include commissioning pathways, resident courses, and online modules designed to upskill volunteer and active personnel for state emergencies, , and civil support roles. For the Texas Army National Guard, officer commissioning draws heavily from Texas A&M University's Corps of Cadets, which produces more commissioned officers than any U.S. university except the federal service academies. Graduates enter via ROTC programs, with many serving directly in the Texas National Guard; for instance, in May 2024, Texas A&M commissioned 165 officers into the , , , Marine Corps, and —the largest class in nearly 40 years. This partnership leverages the university's military training infrastructure to ensure a steady influx of trained leaders aligned with state needs. The Texas State Guard emphasizes accessible PME for its volunteer force, including the (OCS), a 6-month program from August to January that meets one weekend monthly plus additional training, culminating in commissioning as second lieutenants. Resident courses such as the Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) and Captains Career Course (CCC) are conducted at Camp Swift, providing hands-on instruction in command, staff functions, and tactical operations. Complementing these, the SkillSets online platform offers free modules in professional management, , and skills like incident command systems essential for disaster coordination. Specialized PME addresses Texas-specific challenges, including advanced disaster management through academies like the Management Specialist () program, which trains personnel in mass casualty response, hazardous materials handling, and urban search-and-rescue beyond basic levels. Recent legislative enhancements, such as House Bill 101 passed in 2025, mandate improved training protocols to professionalize State Guard capabilities for high-threat environments, including tactical border operations and rapid deployment scenarios. These courses integrate practical exercises simulating multi-agency responses, ensuring alignment with state directives for emergency augmentation.

Equipment and Technological Advancements

The Texas Military Department's Texas Air National Guard operates MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft through the 147th Attack Wing, primarily for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. These unmanned aerial systems provide long-endurance, high-altitude capabilities with advanced sensors for real-time video and imagery collection. In December 2023, the wing received Block 5 MQ-9 variants featuring upgraded communication links, improved data relays, enhanced sensor suites, and compatibility for satellite-controlled takeoff and landing operations. These technological upgrades support operational needs in and border security, where unarmed MQ-9s deliver high-resolution to ground teams. For instance, in July 2025, the aircraft aided search-and-rescue efforts during floods by assessing damage and locating missing persons over extended areas. Along the U.S.- border under , Texas National Guard drone technology, including MQ-9 integrations, deters illegal crossings through persistent aerial monitoring and deterrence. Equipment acquisitions blend federal Department of Defense funding with state resources, prioritizing aligned with state-specific threats like border incursions and natural disasters. The MQ-9 fleet exemplifies 2020s ISR modernization, enabling rapid deployment without risking personnel in contested environments. While financial audits highlight ongoing contracting improvements, these assets contribute to elevated operational readiness compared to baseline standards through targeted investments in unmanned systems.

Readiness Assessments and Exercises

The Texas Military Department evaluates the operational readiness of its forces through structured training exercises and assessments that simulate real-world threats, including , mass casualty events, and large-scale combat operations. These activities test command structures, , and tactical response times, with after-action reviews identifying deficiencies and driving procedural refinements. Units across the , , and participate in federally aligned evaluations, such as Warfighter exercises, which assess brigade-level capabilities for sustained operations under contested conditions. The Texas State Guard mandates monthly drill weekends supplemented by a four-day annual training requirement, focusing on disaster response proficiency through scenario-based drills at sites like Camp Bowie, Camp Swift, and Brownwood. These exercises emphasize mission-essential tasks, such as and emergency medical support, often culminating in hurricane or simulations to validate statewide coordination with civil authorities. For example, the Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) conducted in May 2025 integrated multiple agencies to evaluate and low-light operational skills, enhancing overall emergency readiness metrics. Texas National Guard components align with U.S. and Total Force standards via recurring certifications, including unit readiness inspections and external evaluations that measure equipment functionality, personnel qualifications, and deployment timelines. The 36th Division's 2019 Warfighter exercise, for instance, exposed gaps in headquarters-level planning, leading to targeted improvements in staff synchronization for division-scale maneuvers. Similarly, the 176th Engineer Brigade's integration with III Corps during a 2015 Warfighter iteration tested Total Force concepts, confirming readiness for joint operations through simulated multi-domain challenges. Air units like the perform dedicated readiness exercises to certify MQ-9 Reaper operations and mission sustainment under combat conditions. Lessons from Operation Lone Star deployments have been incorporated into exercise feedback mechanisms, refining training for prolonged field sustainment and border-specific threats, though dual-mission strains on Guard resources have prompted internal reviews of mobilization protocols to balance state and federal demands. Specialized drills, such as force protection exercises at Camp Mabry and night airborne operations by infantry units, further benchmark tactical agility against invasion-like scenarios, ensuring measurable gains in response efficacy.

Awards, Decorations, and Honors

State-Specific Awards

The Texas Military Department administers a hierarchy of state-specific awards under Texas Government Code Chapter 437, Subchapter H, to honor members of the , , and for valor, meritorious service, and contributions to state missions such as border security operations and disaster response. These decorations, authorized by the or recommended by the , emphasize acts performed in or on behalf of the state, prioritizing empirical demonstrations of gallantry or exceptional duty over routine service. The , the highest state award, recognizes extraordinary heroism and self-sacrifice involving direct risk of life, requiring legislative approval via for incontestable proof of gallantry surpassing that of comrades. It has been conferred posthumously on Texas Military Department personnel for actions in state-activated responses, though recent instances remain rare due to stringent criteria. The Lone Star Medal of Valor, second in precedence, is awarded for specific acts of bravery entailing grave personal danger but falling short of Legislative Medal thresholds; eligibility extends to forces or out-of-state personnel aiding missions, such as aerial rescues during floods or high-risk border patrols under . Criteria demand voluntary exposure to hazard with marked distinction, as evidenced by documented peril in official after-action reports. For instance, in 2017 disaster response, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brandon Briggs received the medal for leading helicopter rescues amid severe flooding, saving multiple lives despite structural collapses and high winds. Similarly, in April 2019, aircrews from the National Guard and supporting units were honored at for valorous flood relief operations involving low-level extractions under hazardous conditions. A posthumous award occurred in 2023 to a National Guardsman killed in a vehicle accident during border duties, recognizing cumulative exposure to operational risks including narcotics interdiction and terrain surveillance. Service-oriented awards include the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious achievements in prolonged state activations, such as sustained border infrastructure support or multi-week disaster logistics, requiring superior performance beyond standard expectations as verified by command endorsements. The Superior Service Medal recognizes outstanding contributions in shorter-term high-impact roles, like rapid deployment for hurricane evacuations or counter-narcotics , with awards tracked via the department's ribbon builder for uniform precedence. These decorations ensure recognition aligns with causal impacts on mission outcomes, such as apprehensions or lives preserved, rather than participation alone.

Integration with Federal Recognition

The Texas Military Department's awards system integrates with federal recognition primarily through its National Guard components, which operate under dual state-federal authority and are eligible for U.S. Army and Air Force decorations during federal periods. Personnel in the and wear federal awards such as the , Distinguished Service Cross, , and various commendation medals in accordance with Department of Defense precedence, alongside state honors when in Title 32 or state status. This compatibility extends to unit awards like the Presidential Unit Citation and , earned in joint operations, with TMD providing guidance on uniform display to ensure seamless recognition across statuses. In joint service scenarios, such as deployments supporting the Global War on Terror (GWOT), Texas National Guard members have received dual-level citations where federal commendations for overseas valor overlap with state recognitions for preparatory or follow-on domestic missions, including border security under . For instance, units returning from GWOT theaters have been awarded both federal expeditionary medals and Texas-specific valor distinctions for integrated threat response efforts, reflecting coordinated state-federal operational alignments without formal dual eligibility for the , which remains non-federalizable. Texas service members demonstrate statistical overrepresentation in federal high honors relative to population share; the state has produced 75 Medal of Honor recipients across U.S. history, the highest of any state, comprising approximately 2.1% of total awards despite Texas representing under 10% of current U.S. population, attributable to high enlistment rates and combat deployments from National Guard forces. This pattern holds in GWOT-era data, where Texas-based units contributed disproportionately to meritorious service citations, underscoring the TMD's role in bridging state readiness with national defense imperatives.

Notable Recipients and Citations

The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, the highest decoration bestowed by the Texas Military Department, has been awarded to several individuals for extraordinary heroism in combat, including posthumous recognitions for native Texans or those with significant ties to the state. Notable recipients include in 2015 for his service as a in , Travis E. Watkins in 2017 for actions during the , and Major Audie L. Murphy in 2013 for valor in [World War II](/page/World War II) and beyond, reflecting merit-based criteria focused on verifiable acts of self-sacrifice under fire as outlined in state regulations. These selections prioritize of causal impact in life-saving or mission-critical efforts, independent of contemporary political alignments. In disaster response operations, such as in 2017, aviation crews received the Lone Star Medal of Valor in 2019 for conducting high-risk rescues amid flooding, saving numerous civilians through precise aerial extractions despite severe weather hazards. Similarly, units earned the Texas Outstanding Service Medal for sustained logistical and recovery support, with over 12,000 Texas Military Department personnel mobilized, underscoring selections driven by documented operational outcomes rather than narrative framing. For border security missions under , commendations emphasize endurance in forward deployments, though specific individual heroism awards remain tied to verifiable incidents; aggregate decorations align with state code requirements for non-partisan evaluation based on duty performance metrics. A landmark case is the 2022 Texas awarded to 1st Lt. Christopher Beck of the —the first such honor for a Guardsman—for shielding a during a 2005 mortar attack in , sustaining shrapnel wounds while aiding the wounded, highlighting recognition of proven protective actions in hostile environments.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Youth Development Programs

The Texas Military Department's youth development programs emphasize structured interventions for at-risk youth and STEM education, alongside initiatives to instill discipline, patriotism, and leadership among military families' children, serving as informal pipelines. These efforts, primarily through the Texas National Guard component of the TMD, target adolescents facing educational or behavioral challenges, aiming to redirect them toward productive paths including potential military service. The flagship program, Texas ChalleNGe Academy, operates as a tuition-free, 5.5-month quasi-military residential academy for 16- to 18-year-old at-risk youth who have dropped out of school or are disengaged. Sponsored by the Texas National Guard, it features two campuses: one in Eagle Lake (West) and another in Sheffield (East), delivering a 22-week residential phase centered on eight core components—academic excellence via GED preparation, physical fitness, health and hygiene, responsible citizenship, leadership/followership, job skills, service to community, and life-coping skills—followed by a year-long post-residential mentoring phase. Cadets, numbering around 50-60 per class per site, undergo rigorous daily routines including physical training and community service projects, with graduation rates exceeding 80% in recent classes; for instance, the West campus graduated 57 cadets in one recent cycle. Program evaluations indicate that participants experience improved educational attainment and employment prospects, with many opting for military enlistment during the post-residential period as one pathway to structured opportunity. Nationally, Youth ChalleNGe programs like Texas's have demonstrated positive short-term labor market outcomes, including higher rates of credential attainment and job placement, though long-term enlistment tracking remains program-specific and not uniformly quantified for Texas. Complementing this, Texas STARBASE programs, hosted by the TMD at sites like in Austin and Ellington Field in , provide Department of Defense-funded, 25-hour hands-on STEM curricula for fifth-grade students, particularly those from underserved schools. These week-long immersions expose participants to , , and through military facility-based instruction by Guard instructors, fostering interest in technical fields and indirectly supporting future defense-related careers; Austin's program, operational since around 2014, has served thousands of students annually at no cost to participants. Young Heroes initiatives, geared toward children of Texas National Guard members (grades 3-8), include annual week-long summer camps offering team-building, outdoor skills, and exposure to military values to strengthen family resilience and patriotism. Additionally, the Texas State Guard's "Young Heroes of the Guard" toy drive, in its eighth year as of 2022, collects and distributes new toys to children's hospitals and families in need, involving youth volunteers in logistics and delivery to promote civic responsibility and Guard heritage. These activities contribute to higher retention in military families by building early affinity for service, though direct enlistment metrics are not publicly detailed beyond anecdotal participant progression to Guard youth programs. Overall, these programs yield measurable societal benefits, such as reduced recidivism among ChalleNGe graduates and enhanced STEM proficiency, with TMD reporting sustained participation growth; however, independent assessments note variability in long-term outcomes dependent on post-program support adherence.

Public Information and Media Operations

The Texas Military Department's Public Affairs office serves as the primary conduit for disseminating information to the , media outlets, and internal personnel, with a mandate to deliver timely and accurate updates on operations, , and missions. This office coordinates media inquiries, manages press releases, and acts as a liaison between the department and external reporters, ensuring responses to events, incidents, and activities involving . In support of transparency, it maintains dedicated channels such as press release archives, which document announcements on deployments, commemorations, and policy updates dating back to at least 2016. Key media operations include TMDTV, a digital video platform accessible via apps and streaming services like , which produces content highlighting departmental activities, equipment, and personnel stories to foster public understanding and recruitment interest. Complementing this, functions as the official monthly magazine, featuring articles on news, operational insights, and historical context for Texas Military Department members and the broader audience, with archives preserving issues from 2017 onward. These outlets, alongside smartphone applications and an official website, enable structured communication strategies aimed at countering incomplete media portrayals, particularly regarding border security efficacy under initiatives like . For instance, the department has issued targeted responses to address allegations of mismanagement or ineffectiveness in state activations, emphasizing factual mission data over external critiques. Digital platforms, including social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) as @TXMilitary and , extend real-time engagement for mission updates and messaging, with posts on border Quick Reaction Forces and operational readiness appearing frequently since the escalation of state-led security efforts in 2021. This approach prioritizes direct sourcing of information to mitigate distortions from mainstream outlets, promoting self-verified narratives on deployment impacts and . While specific engagement metrics remain internal, the proliferation of these channels correlates with heightened public scrutiny of operations, underscoring their role in sustaining pipelines amid contested policy environments.

Civic Partnerships and Volunteer Initiatives

The , a volunteer component of the Texas Military Department, conducts annual toy drives under the "Young Heroes of the Guard" initiative to collect and distribute new toys to children in hospitals, women's shelters, and orphanages across . In these efforts, uniformed State Guard members sort and deliver hundreds of toys to facilities such as House, Cook Children's Medical Center, and various pediatric wards in , Amarillo, and Tyler. By 2021, the program had reached its eighth year, emphasizing community aid aligned with military service values of support and readiness. The Texas Military Department hosts annual open houses at in Austin to demonstrate capabilities and foster public engagement. These free events, such as the April 2018 and 2019 gatherings, feature demonstrations, jumps, displays, and interactions with , drawing community members to observe equipment and operations firsthand. The open houses also include historical reenactments and children's activities, promoting awareness of the Department's role in state defense and emergency response. Through community engagement, the Texas Military Department collaborates with local governments and veterans' organizations on events benefiting Texas citizens, including support for disaster relief and public service projects. The Texas State Guard units perform community service, such as assistance in local initiatives, leveraging over 2,000 volunteers organized into Army, Air, Medical, and Maritime components. These partnerships extend to the Texas Military Forces Museum, where volunteers serve as docents for tours and visitor assistance, preserving military history and educating the public on Texas' defense heritage.

Facilities and Installations

Primary Training and Headquarters Sites

, located at 2200 West 35th Street in , serves as the headquarters for the Texas Military Department, encompassing administrative offices, the Joint Force Headquarters, and garrison command operations. Established in 1892 as a summer encampment for the Texas Volunteer Guard, the site has expanded from its original 85 acres to support ongoing and mission execution for the , , and . Modern facilities include lodging reservations managed through the garrison and a newly unveiled 2,600-square-foot 3D-printed and Center in December 2024, enhancing innovation and multi-use training capabilities. Camp Swift, situated near Bastrop approximately 30 miles east of Austin, operates as a primary training center under Texas Military Department oversight, hosting the 136th Combat Arms Training Regiment and the Training Center of Excellence since 2007. Originally developed as a training camp with Army-constructed buildings, barracks, ranges, and recreational facilities, the 11,659-acre site supports artillery, demolition, and maneuver training for units, active forces, and law enforcement. The maintains a network of regional armories across the state for unit administration, weekly drills, and local readiness, distributed to cover Texas's geographic expanse and complement centralized training at sites like and Camp Swift. Overall, the Texas Military Department stewards approximately 55,000 acres of training lands across 10 sites, facilitating scalable operations for its forces without reliance on forward or temporary deployments.

Border and Operational Forward Bases

The Texas Military Department established forward operating bases (FOBs) as part of to support sustained troop deployments along the U.S.-Mexico border, focusing on high-threat areas such as Eagle Pass and the Rio Grande Valley. These mission-specific outposts provide housing, security, and logistical hubs for Texas National Guard and State Guard personnel activated for border security tasks, including surveillance, barrier reinforcement, and coordination with the . Construction of FOB Eagle, located at 496 County Road 523 in Eagle Pass, Maverick County, began in early 2024 to accommodate up to 2,300 troops amid increased migrant crossings, featuring entry control points, main gates, and support infrastructure for extended operations. In the Rio Grande Valley, temporary camps serve as operational forward bases, with over 400 Texas National Guard troops and equipment deployed to sites near Roma in January 2025 to bolster border sealing efforts. These camps facilitate rapid response , including vehicle staging and supply distribution, enabling sustained presence without reliance on federal . Engineering depots at these outposts store materials for barrier installations, such as anti-climb panels, concertina wire, and , which National Guard engineer teams deploy to deter illegal crossings; for instance, tactical engineer platoons installed 264 feet of anti-climb barriers in Los Fresnos in April 2025. Logistical adaptations at these bases address the border's challenging terrain and climate, incorporating modular CONEX barriers for both security and storage to withstand dust, heat, and potential breaches. Forward bases like FOB Eagle include reinforced entry protocols and rally points to maintain operational continuity during prolonged missions, supporting the deployment of over 10,000 TMD personnel since Operation Lone Star's inception in March 2021. These outposts emphasize self-sufficiency, with on-site for wire reinforcements and barrier repairs to counter and sabotage attempts by crossers.

Maintenance and Logistics Hubs

Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston functions as a central maintenance hub for the Texas Air National Guard, hosting the 147th Attack Wing responsible for MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft sustainment. The facility supports aircraft maintenance, repair, and logistics operations, including hangar upgrades completed to enhance capabilities for high-tempo missions. Logistics readiness squadrons, such as the 136th and 149th, manage materiel distribution, vehicle maintenance, and deployment support across ANG units. The 36th Sustainment Brigade oversees ground logistics for the , facilitating supply flow, equipment distribution, and operational support in areas of responsibility. This includes coordination of transportation, maintenance gear, and sustainment during state activations. The Construction and Facilities Management Office maintains Texas Army National Guard infrastructure, handling repairs and construction to ensure logistical readiness. Supply chains distinguish federal-provided equipment, such as standard weaponry and vehicles funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Defense, from state-funded assets used in missions like border security or . Federal resources cover core materiel, while Texas supplements with state appropriations for additional operational needs. These hubs enable efficient sustainment amid demanding state and federal taskings, though specific performance metrics remain aligned with broader Department of Defense standards.

Controversies and Challenges

Logistical and Personnel Issues

During the initial deployment phase of in 2021, the Texas Military Department experienced significant logistical hurdles due to the rapid mobilization of personnel from approximately 500 to over 10,000 service members to address border security demands. Pay processing delays arose from the unprecedented scale of onboarding into the state payroll system, with administrative discrepancies affecting a substantial portion of troops; by January 16, 2022, 75% of these issues had been resolved through the deployment of specialized Pay Strike Teams and a 24/7 hotline for assistance. conditions at forward bases were criticized as inadequate and austere, contributing to low amid reports of insufficient amenities and exposure to harsh , though commanders initiated vendor-driven improvements such as delivery of cold-weather gear. Personnel welfare challenges included elevated suicide rates and reports of assaults among deployed Texas National Guard members. In 2021, nine suicides occurred across the department's 22,000 personnel, with two cases preliminarily linked to deployments; however, investigations found no causal connection to denied hardship requests or mission conditions, and the department emphasized that suicide rates did not exceed historical norms when adjusted for total force size. Allegations of sexual assaults surfaced during the mission, prompting internal reviews and contributing to broader scrutiny of troop safety and conduct, though specific incident numbers and outcomes remain limited in public disclosure. By late 2022, additional self-inflicted deaths were reported, including one in October involving a service member's duty weapon, amid at least 17 total fatalities connected to border deployments through 2024, encompassing suicides, accidents, and other causes. In response, the Texas Military Department implemented mitigations such as processing over 900 hardship discharge requests with 75% approvals on a case-by-case basis, conducting surveys to identify concerns, and establishing dedicated support lines for counseling and reporting. Legislative oversight and congressional probes were initiated in early to examine these issues, focusing on pay, living conditions, and without establishing direct mission causation for suicides. Resource strains intensified due to the operation's reliance on state funding, as federal support was unavailable for state active duty missions, leading to annual costs exceeding $2 billion by April 2022 and prompting requests for an additional $460 million in state appropriations by February 2023 to sustain deployments. This funding gap exacerbated equipment and sustainment pressures, with the mission's scale— the largest and longest state activation of Guard troops—diverting resources from other departmental priorities. The Texas Military Department (TMD), through its oversight of the Texas National Guard and involvement in Operation Lone Star, has been central to escalating jurisdictional disputes with the federal government over border enforcement authority. In July 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated a civil rights investigation into Operation Lone Star, probing allegations of discrimination against migrants and potential violations of federal law in state-led border operations, including the use of state forces to apprehend and transport individuals for federal processing. Texas officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, defended these actions as necessary responses to federal inaction on immigration enforcement, arguing that state deployment of military assets filled a void left by inadequate federal border control. A prominent flashpoint emerged with Texas's deployment of approximately 1,000 feet of floating buoys in the near Eagle Pass in July 2023, intended to deter illegal crossings as part of initiatives coordinated by TMD personnel. The Biden administration's DOJ filed suit, claiming the barriers violated the Rivers and Harbors Act by obstructing navigable waters without federal permission and asserting federal supremacy over border management. In July 2024, the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled in Texas's favor, allowing the buoys to remain pending trial on the merits, rejecting the DOJ's request for a preliminary and affirming that Texas had demonstrated likely success in arguing its sovereign interest in against unauthorized entries. This outcome underscored Texas's legal position that federal navigational authority does not preempt state measures to secure its territory amid perceived federal abdication of duties. Governor Abbott has invoked the U.S. Constitution's invasion clause (Article IV, Section 4) to justify TMD-supported operations, declaring an "invasion" at the border on multiple occasions, including in executive orders framing Operation Lone Star as a defensive response to over 6 million encounters reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection since 2021. Texas attorneys have argued this triggers states' inherent rights to repel invasions independently of federal consent, challenging doctrines of exclusive federal immigration authority by citing historical precedents where states acted against non-military threats like mass unlawful entries straining resources. Federal courts have partially rebuffed these claims in related cases, such as blocking state arrests under Texas's SB 4 law, but the invasion rationale has sustained Operation Lone Star's continuity despite Supreme Court scrutiny. To circumvent federal resistance, enacted Bill 1403 in 2023, authorizing the governor to form interstate compacts for security, including resource sharing, collaboration, and joint wall construction among willing states. This framework, rooted in Article I, Section 10 of the , enables cooperative state actions without federal approval, with Abbott signing measures to facilitate pacts that amplify TMD's role in multi-state enforcement efforts. Such compacts represent a strategic assertion of state sovereignty, pooling capabilities to address vulnerabilities where federal policy is viewed as permissive.

Allegations of Misconduct and Oversight Failures

In August 2023, the Texas Military Department disbanded an directorate of the Texas National Guard supporting after an internal investigation uncovered unauthorized of migrants via WhatsApp groups, mishandling of classified documents, and improper sharing of sensitive information. The unit, operating under Lt. Col. Emmanuel L. Pierre, had initiated the WhatsApp-based collection approximately one month prior without formal approval, treating U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel as foreign entities akin to wartime adversaries. At least four officers faced administrative discipline, and the dissolution was implemented to mitigate risks of operational overreach and security breaches. A February 2022 morale survey of Texas National Guard personnel deployed to the border mission exposed widespread frustration, with respondents reporting inadequate equipment, delayed payments, substandard living conditions, and leadership deficiencies, including comments such as "I hate it here" reflecting anxiety and anger. These findings contributed to Governor Greg Abbott's decision to replace Maj. Gen. Tracy Norris with Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Suelzer on March 14, 2022, following months of criticism over mission management. Further leadership shakeups included the removal of Maj. Gen. Charles Aris as commander of the 36th Infantry Division on March 17, 2022, as corrective measures to restore discipline and address personnel welfare issues. State audits have spotlighted ongoing oversight gaps, particularly in financial controls and contracting tied to border operations. A 2018 Texas State Auditor's Office report documented significant weaknesses in the department's contracting processes, including insufficient controls to prevent or waste. A June 2024 post-payment flagged failures to leverage early payment discounts and other inefficiencies in vendor payments, underscoring persistent accountability lapses. Legislative scrutiny, including battles over expenditures, has revealed allegations of unaccountable spending and resistance to transparency, prompting calls for enhanced fiscal oversight amid reports of safety incidents and personnel hardships.

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  198. https://tmd.texas.gov/Data/Sites/1/media/tmd-jobs/ang-dsg-vacancy/fy25/quarter-4/136_enlisted_copy-of-vacancy_all_asof20250817.pdf
  199. https://tmd.texas.gov/Data/Sites/1/media/tmd-jobs/ang-dsg-vacancy/fy25/quarter-4/149_enlisted_copy-of-vacancy_all_asof20250808.pdf
  200. https://tmd.texas.gov/36-sb
  201. https://tmd.texas.gov/construction-and-facilities-management-office
  202. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/GetStatute.aspx?Code=GV&Value=437.001
  203. https://northdakotamonitor.com/2024/07/29/states-pledged-hundreds-of-troops-and-spent-millions-to-help-texas-at-the-border-so-far-this-year/
  204. https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2022-03-04/texas-national-guard-troops-mexico-border-mission-5202395.html
  205. https://abcnews.go.com/US/suicides-living-conditions-spark-concern-texas-national-guard/story?id=82540700
  206. https://texasscorecard.com/investigations/troubled-texas-military-fighting-transparency/
  207. https://tmd.texas.gov/operation-lone-star-morale-survey
  208. https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2022/04/05/texas-guards-border-mission-nearly-out-of-cash-top-general-says/
  209. https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2022/02/01/haste-and-planning-failures-doomed-operation-lone-stars-troops-to-suffer/
  210. https://www.texastribune.org/2022/07/06/operation-lone-star-doj-investigation-abbott/
  211. https://www.propublica.org/article/operation-lone-star-doj-investigation-abbott
  212. https://www.texastribune.org/2024/07/30/texas-floating-barrier-rio-grande-court-ruling/
  213. https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/30/politics/texas-rio-grande-buoys-5th-circuit-decision
  214. https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-54_Help_Enforce_the_INA_IMAGE_2024-01-29.pdf
  215. https://georgialawreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mares_Operation-Lone-Star.pdf
  216. https://legiscan.com/TX/text/SB1403/id/2770373
  217. https://artexas.org/texas-takes-action/
  218. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.794.htm
  219. https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/29/texas-national-guard-migrants-whatsapp-intelligence/
  220. https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2023/08/29/texas-guardsmen-spied-on-migrants-via-whatsapp-mishandled-secret-docs/
  221. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12459709/Texas-National-Guard-SCRAPS-intelligence-wing-migrants-operation-lone-star.html
  222. https://www.keranews.org/texas-news/2022-02-24/i-hate-it-here-national-guard-members-sound-off-on-texas-border-mission-in-leaked-morale-survey
  223. https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2022/03/14/texas-guards-top-general-replaced-amid-border-mission-troubles/
  224. https://www.texastribune.org/?p=110353
  225. https://fmx.cpa.texas.gov/fm/audit/ar24-4q/TMD-%2806-12-24%29_508c.pdf
  226. https://texasscorecard.com/investigations/troubled-texas-military-unaccountable-spending/
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