How Large is the Texas National Guard?
The Texas National Guard is a significant force within the United States National Guard, with a long history dating back to 1823. As a component of the Texas Military Forces, the Texas National Guard is responsible for supporting the state’s homeland security, disaster response, and domestic operations, while also providing trained and equipped forces to support the federal government in times of war or national emergency.
Overall Size
The Texas National Guard is comprised of approximately 22,000 soldiers and airmen, making it one of the largest state National Guard forces in the country. This number includes both part-time and full-time personnel, with the majority of members serving as part-time soldiers and airmen who drill one weekend a month and attend annual training for two weeks.
Breakdown by Component
The Texas National Guard is divided into two components: the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.
- Army National Guard: The Texas Army National Guard has approximately 14,000 soldiers, with units located throughout the state. These units include infantry, armor, artillery, and engineer battalions, as well as support units such as transportation and maintenance companies.
- Air National Guard: The Texas Air National Guard has approximately 8,000 airmen, with units located at several bases across the state. These units include fighter, bomber, and reconnaissance squadrons, as well as support units such as maintenance and logistics groups.
Units and Organizations
The Texas National Guard is organized into several units and organizations, including:
- Brigades: The Texas Army National Guard has three brigades, each consisting of several battalions and companies.
- Wings: The Texas Air National Guard has two wings, each consisting of several squadrons and groups.
- Battalions: The Texas Army National Guard has over 20 battalions, each consisting of several companies and platoons.
- Squadrons: The Texas Air National Guard has over 15 squadrons, each consisting of several flights and sections.
Deployment and Mobilization
The Texas National Guard has deployed personnel and equipment to numerous locations around the world in support of national security operations. Some notable deployments include:
- Iraq and Afghanistan: The Texas National Guard has deployed over 100,000 soldiers and airmen to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001.
- Haiti: The Texas National Guard deployed a team of soldiers and airmen to Haiti in 2010 to support earthquake relief efforts.
- Hurricane Response: The Texas National Guard has deployed personnel and equipment to support disaster response efforts in the aftermath of hurricanes such as Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
Budget and Funding
The Texas National Guard receives funding from the federal government, as well as from the state of Texas. The federal government provides funding for the National Guard through the Department of Defense, while the state of Texas provides funding for state-specific operations and training.
Key Statistics
Here are some key statistics about the Texas National Guard:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Force Size | 22,000 |
| Army National Guard | 14,000 |
| Air National Guard | 8,000 |
| Brigades | 3 |
| Wings | 2 |
| Battalions | 20+ |
| Squadrons | 15+ |
| Deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan | 100,000+ |
| Annual Training Days | 120,000+ |
Conclusion
The Texas National Guard is a significant force within the United States National Guard, with a long history of supporting state and federal operations. With over 22,000 soldiers and airmen, the Texas National Guard is one of the largest state National Guard forces in the country. Whether supporting homeland security, disaster response, or national security operations, the Texas National Guard is a vital component of the state’s military forces.
