How Many National Guard in Texas?
Texas, being the second-largest state in the United States, has a significant presence of the National Guard. The Texas National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces and is responsible for state-based military operations.
Total Number of National Guard in Texas
According to the Texas Military Department, there are approximately 19,000 National Guardsmen in the state, consisting of:
- 13,000 Army National Guardsmen
- 4,000 Air National Guardsmen
- 2,000 Soldiers in the Texas State Guard
This number represents the total authorized strength of the Texas National Guard, which includes both full-time personnel and part-time drill weekend participants.
Organizations and Units
The Texas National Guard is composed of various organizations and units, including:
- 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 136th Infantry Regiment: Based in Fort Worth, this brigade is a heavy armored unit that has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
- 223rd Sustainment Brigade: Located in Fort Sam Houston, this brigade is responsible for providing logistics support to deployed units.
- 136th Air Refueling Squadron: Based at Ellington Field, this squadron operates KC-135R refueling aircraft and provides air-to-air refueling capabilities to aircraft in the Air National Guard and other units.
- 240th Engineer Company: Located in Dallas, this company provides engineering support to civil authorities and in disaster response efforts.
Units by County
Here is a breakdown of National Guard units in Texas by county:
| County | Army National Guard Units | Air National Guard Units | Texas State Guard Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bexar | 2 Battalions, 36th Infantry Division | 147th Attack Wing | 2 Companies |
| Dallas | 3 Battalions, 56th Armored Cavalry Brigade | 240th Engineer Company | 1 Company |
| El Paso | 1 Battalion, 131st Field Artillery | 242nd Reconnaissance Squadron | 1 Company |
| Fort Worth | 2 Battalions, 36th Infantry Division | 272nd Engineer Company | 1 Company |
| Harris | 2 Battalions, 147th Attack Wing | 204th Wing | 2 Companies |
| Houston | 2 Battalions, 61st Troop Command | 204th Wing | 2 Companies |
| Lubbock | 1 Battalion, 19th Engineer Brigade | 219th Engineering Installation Squadron | 1 Company |
| San Antonio | 1 Battalion, 133rd Engineer Brigade | 147th Attack Wing | 1 Company |
| Other counties | 1-2 Companies each | 1-2 Squadrons each | 1 Company each |
Duties and Responsibilities
National Guardsmen in Texas have various duties and responsibilities, including:
- State emergencies: Respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, and other emergencies in support of civil authorities.
- Federal deployments: Deploy in support of federal operations, including Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
- Community support: Provide support to local communities through civic missions and disaster response efforts.
- Training and exercises: Participate in regular training exercises and operations to maintain readiness and proficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Texas National Guard has approximately 19,000 National Guardsmen, comprising Army National Guardsmen, Air National Guardsmen, and Soldiers in the Texas State Guard. With various organizations and units stationed across the state, National Guardsmen in Texas are dedicated to serving their state and country, responding to emergencies, and participating in training and exercises to maintain readiness and proficiency.
