Texas State Guard

SSgt Robert Clark — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 17:25:09 -0400

To all Texas veterans. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol and have recently found out about the Texas State Guard. My questions are: 1. Are there any cost/membership fees like in CAP. 2. If accepted, how quickly are you expected to have uniforms? 3. Are at least limited base privileges granted to make uniform purchases, or are there other means to purchase uniform items? 4. What is the recommended inventory of uniforms? 5. If any are in both CAP and TSG are there any conflicts? 6. Would you recommend joining the TSG? I have asked these questions via the TSG web site, but have yet to hear anything.

Response by SSgt Robert Clark made Jul 14 at 2014 5:26 PM

SSgt Robert Clark — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 17:26:26 -0400

All these questions, obviously, are for any TSG members. Should have made that a little more clear in my post. Sorry.

Response by SPC Javier Maldonado made Sep 10 at 2014 3:33 PM

SPC Javier Maldonado — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 15:33:44 -0400

As a former member of the Texas State Guard, when I was serving, you were required to have two sets of fatigues, a pair of boots (two preferred), a duffle bag and underwear/toiletries as a minimum. All items could be purchased at the local surplus store (used) or if you have privileges, the local PX clothing store (new).

The cost to join is the cost of your equipment/uniforms. Some equipment is donated and passed to members, but that is not always the case.

The only conflict with service had to do if you are a current member of the USAR or TXANG (you cannot join while in service status).

As a TXSG member, you have some State privileges (as far as I remember, subject to change). Reduced driver's licence cost and free hunting/fishing license, reduced cost on your TX CCW permit and others I cannot remember.

More than likely, you will be required to take FEMA (IS) courses (available free, online).

You will enter one rank above the rank you were discharged while in federal service (RA, TXANG/USAR). If you were enlisted in the federal service and you have a college degree and approved by the guard you can join as an officer candidate, pass OCS (TX) and get appointed. If your education and skills are needed you can come in as an officer without the OCS requirement (with prior military service only).

Although mainly a volunteer (no pay) service, some members are paid $125.00 per day when in State Active Duty (Operation Border Star??? I forgot the name, sorry).

In the Texas State Guard you have the option of Air, Marine, and Army components.

Drills are one Saturday a month (sometimes the whole weekend). The summer drill will be about a week.

Again, I am no expert and no recruiter, but hope this helps a little.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2014 9:25 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 21:25:38 -0400

Congratulations, SSgt for finding Texas' best kept secret, the Texas State Guard! Your questions are best answered through your prospective chain of command, as some answers may vary from unit to unit. Yes, I would definitely recommend joining the TXSG!

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Oct 22 at 2014 3:52 PM

SSG Christopher Parrish — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:52:06 -0400

SSG Clark,

Did you ever get your questions answered, from another source than RP? Just in case, I'll answer what I can (as a current member of the TXSG).

1. No membership fees for the TXSG. We do recommend joining SGAUS and NGAT, who have membership fees, but it is not mandatory.

2. You are expected to have at least 1 complete set by the time you swear in at drill. We have a package deal with the Army/Navy Warehouse on I-35 and Valwood so a complete set is reasonably priced, plus whatever you want to spend on boots.

3. We have privileges at Camp Maxey in Austin. We are not allowed on federal installtions, unless you still have your prior card or are under orders. For example, I attended BNCOC at Lackland a few months ago, so I was allowed on base at that time.

4. This question would be better answered by whatever unit you wind up going to. Basically 2 to 3 changes of uniforms, double the undershirts and socks, basic toiletries, 3 day ruck and a larger bag for longer deployments, etc, etc.

5. We have some in both CAP and TXSG and from my understanding you have to let each know about the other. Keep in mind that TXSG is state military service and when under orders we are legally obligated to make movement unless cleared by our CoC.

6. I absolutely would recommend joining the TXSG. We have a good bunch of people, many vets and also combat vets, who are always willing to teach others and share experiences. We get to serve the greatest state in the country and can rest assured knowing we can't be federalized and sent outside of TX by whomever occupies the White House.

Let me know and I can get you in touch with a recruiter, and will make sure you hear back to get more "official" answers to your questions.

I should add that we have options of where to serve, Army component, Air Wing Component, Medical Brigade, and the Maritime (Navy/Marine) Component.

Response by SGT Ronald Lunn made Dec 30 at 2014 1:52 PM

SGT Ronald Lunn — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 13:52:52 -0500

Greetings SSgt Clark. I am actually in the Maryland Defense Force (Maryland's version of the Texas State Guard). I will answer your questions the best that I can:

1. There are usually now costs. There are support organizations that do have membership fees, however (such as the State Guard Association of The United States - SGAUS). These associations work to help the state defense forces.

2. Uniforms are provided by the members - you would have a uniform as soon as you buy yours! I usually recommend vtarmynavy.com to my soldiers, based on the prices there.

3. There are no base privileges for state defense force members.

4. 2-3 sets of ACUs (in case you go out on a mission), plus any field gear associated with your organization's mission.

5. Usually there are no conflicts in being a member of the CAP and a SDF.

6. I enjoy my service in the Maryland Defense Force. I medically separated from the Army, and still had the desire to serve. Serving in the MDDF gives me an opportunity to continue my military career (albeit voluntary state service now).

7. I know you only had six questions, but I also have this for you. If you have any further questions, you can reach the TSG at [login to see] . If there are any other questions you think that I can help you with, or if you have any issues you need help with, please feel free to email me at [login to see] .gov

Good luck!

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Dec 30 at 2015 5:09 PM

SFC Thomas Howes — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 17:09:13 -0500

I was in the Maritime Regiment there was now fees other then uniforms and most of the guys went to camp maybra to the px there to get uniforms or to a good surplus store. I had a ball with the State guard and if I get transferred back to TX I plan on going back in.

Response by Matt Moon made Jun 1 at 2017 3:46 PM

Matt Moon — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 15:46:19 -0400

I'm in the Civil Air Patrol & The Texas State Guard Maritime Regiment. My Civil Air Patrol unit meets every Tuesday. My State Guard unit meets every 4th Saturday of the month . Your Service with the State Guard dose not require a paid membership like the Civil Air Patrol & Coast Guard Auxiliary. Membership in the Texas State Guard is Free with Added benefits like OCS , a free CHL and a Hunting and Fishing license . Just like the Coast Guard Auxiliary & Civil Air Patrol you have to buy your own Uniform and Equipment . The State Governor will pay you $120 if you get called out on a mission.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2018 7:14 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 19:14:10 -0400

All,

I’m prior service and interested in joining the TXSG. I’ve put together the proper documentation, filled out the PDFs and made an appointment for my fingerprints.

Question:
If I left the ARNG as an E-4, can I enter the TXSG one rank up, as previously stated? I ask because the recruiter said that one rank up is not the case. Can anyone shed some light?

Thank you,

Jesus Santiago

Response by Matt Moon made Apr 15 at 2018 3:48 PM

Matt Moon — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 15:48:07 -0400

I'm a former member of the Civil Air Patrol Myself. No there are no unit fees in the State Guard. Just like the Civil Air Patrol we have to buy our own uniforms and equipment instead of paying $120 a year for membership in the Civil Air Patrol. The State Guard pays you $120 a year if you get deployed to a Search & Rescue mission. The State Guard also shares some of the same benifits with the National Guard.

Response by Matt Moon made May 15 at 2018 5:11 AM

Matt Moon — Tue, 15 May 2018 05:11:42 -0400

The Texas State Guard is considered a part of the Texas State Military Department we get most of the same privileges as the National Guard. College Tuition Assistance after you serve your 3 year contract. You get a free CHL & Hunting and fishing license for joining. You get military discounts where there offerd you can shop at the BX, Shopet & Commissary on any military base within the state some American Legions accept membership as being a National Guard member even though your a member of the State Guard. The Governor tried to get us medical benefits from the Veterans Affairs Hospital but Congress turned it down. I used to serve in the Civil Air Patrol you get absolutely no benefits form serveing you pay $120 a year for membership where as the State Guard pays you $120 if you get deployed to a Search & Rescue mission like Hurricane Harvey. Just like the Civil Air Patrol the State Guard is a 501 None Profit Service there is no Membership fee to join other than getting your Digitalised Fingerprints form Indigo witch cost about $40 than you have to buy your own uniforms and equipment.

Response by Matt Moon made May 15 at 2018 5:21 AM

Matt Moon — Tue, 15 May 2018 05:21:43 -0400

Some State Guard units still go through some form of Combat Traning it's not really considered a requirement anymore hasn't been sence WW2. But if you do manage to become one of the lucky ones you will go through MOUT - Military Operations In Urban Terrian with Miles Equipment and Vertial Simulations Relization Traning it's like playing a video game on a giant tv screen. You will go through camouflage concealment traning, survival training and basic medical traning. You can also have the option of applying for the Medical Rangers our going through Officer's Canidate School & Dive School. There trying to start a Band, Honor Guard & SeaBee Battalion .

Response by Matt Moon made May 15 at 2018 5:26 AM

Matt Moon — Tue, 15 May 2018 05:26:58 -0400

I don't know they have been haveing problems with the State Guard Website for the past year it seems like nobody takes the time to monitor and maintain it we get allot of people complaining about never being contacted by a recuiter. Most of the recruiting is done through Facebook now on the State Guards main page that's the best way to get ahold of a Recruiter.

Response by Matt Moon made May 15 at 2018 5:33 AM

Matt Moon — Tue, 15 May 2018 05:33:31 -0400

You can get your uniforms from Porter's our Omahas.