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Does Texas have a state defense force?

Author

William Rodriguez

Published Jan 07, 2026

The Texas State Guard is a state defense force that assists and augments the other Texas military branches and civil authorities in times of state emergencies, and on-going support of National Guard units and local communities.

Does Texas have a state military?

About TMDTexas Military Department

The Texas Military Department is composed of the three branches of the military in the state of Texas. These branches are the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, and the Texas State Guard.

Is Texas State Guard military?

The Texas State Guard (TXSG) is a professionally-trained branch of the Texas Military Forces (TXMF) headquartered at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas with regional brigades statewide. The TXSG is one of three TXMF branches, which also includes the Texas Army National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard.

Does Texas have a Texas State Guard?

About TXSGTexas State Guard

The Texas State Guard provides Texas with support in-state missions, from emergency and disaster response to border security and community service. No matter the need, the Texas State Guard stands ready to serve--they are “Texans Serving Texas.”

How many states have a state defense force?

Currently, 23 states and U.S. territories have SDFs; unlike National Guard units, they cannot be federalized, which means they remain a state-level asset during emergency management operations.

16 related questions found

Do state defense forces get paid?

State defense forces operate on a volunteer basis, and usually are not paid for the once or twice a month they drill. Some must provide their own uniforms and equipment. However, if activated, they are usually paid by their state. State defense forces can include army, naval, and air units.

Are State Defense Forces real military?

Are State Defense Forces a real Military or Just Rump Militias? The State Defense Forces are true military entities under State law and are under The command of The Governor of The State.

Why does Texas have its own military?

It descended from the Texian Navy, which was established in November 1835 to fight for independence from Centralist Republic of Mexico in the Texas Revolution. The Texas Navy, Texas Army, and Texas Militia were officially established on September 5, 1836 in Article II of the Constitution of the Republic of Texas.

Who controls the Texas State Guard?

Headquartered at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, the TXSG functions as an organized state military under the authority of Title 32 of the U.S. Code and Chapter 431 of the Texas Government Code. The Governor of Texas has sole control over the Texas State Guard, because it is not subject to federal activation.

Can a felon join the Texas State Guard?

Any applicant who has felony or class A misdemeanor charges pending against them may not join the TXSG until all charges have been cleared. Applicants with a history of misdemeanor convictions may be denied enlistment or appointment.

Can Texas State Guard carry weapons?

As the weekend began, the Texas Guard was one of six given a green light to carry weapons. Florida Gov. Rick Scott issued an executive order to issue guns to full-time guardsmen, and more quickly process concealed handgun licenses.

Are Texas State Guard members veterans?

(16) "Texas State Guard" means the volunteer military forces that provide community service and emergency response activities for this state, as organized under the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, and operating as a defense force authorized under 32 U.S.C. Section 109.

Does Texas have an Air National Guard?

The Texas Air National Guard has five main bases across the state located in Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. They perform fourteen unique missions training and preparing the citizen-airman to respond to the Governor of Texas for state emergencies or the call of the President in times of crisis.

How many military bases are in Texas?

Texas is a proud home to 15 military bases and installations serving all branches of the United States military.

How many Texans are in the military?

The 10 states with the highest active duty military populations are: California (159,380) Virginia (127,981) Texas (123,879)

What is the difference between the National Guard and the state guard?

The main difference is that Guard Soldiers serve a dual mission. They can be called on by their state governor or the federal government. Reserve Soldiers do not have a state mission and cannot be called to respond to floods and hurricanes, for example.

How many fighter jets does Texas have?

Texas company's private air force has 90+ fighter, attack jets to help train U.S. pilots. Airborne Tactical Advantage, located near Fort Worth, Texas, has an inventory of more than 90 fighter and attack jets, including the F1 Mirage (pictured left), the L-39 Albatross jet trainer and the F-21 Kfir.

Can Texas legally secede?

Current Supreme Court precedent, in Texas v. White, holds that the states cannot secede from the union by an act of the state. More recently, in 2006, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia stated, "If there was any constitutional issue resolved by the Civil War, it is that there is no right to secede."

How much military power does Texas have?

Its sheer size is a significant factor — the Texas National Guard is host to nearly 21,000 troops, including its army and air components. Texas is also home to two companies of the 19th Special Forces Group and Air Guard fighter and attack wings that provide strike and drone capabilities.

Are state guards veterans?

A recently signed law gives official veteran status to Soldiers and Airmen in the Guard who serve at least 20 years. Under previous law, Guard members were only considered veterans if they served 180 days or more in a federal status outside of training.

Do state militias still exist?

Currently, only Ohio, Alaska and New York have uniformed naval militias. Only California, Vermont, and Puerto Rico have an air wing, though Indiana formerly had an Air Guard Reserve.

Which states have their own guard?

These are the Alaska State Defense Force, Alabama Stahe Defense Force, California State Military Reserve, Colorado State Defense Force, Florida Guard, Georgia State Defense Force, Indiana Guard Reserve, Maryland Defense Force, Mississippi State Guard, New York State Guard, Ohio Military Reserve, Oklahoma Reserve Force, ...

Can states have their own armies and navies?

These states have their own armies not under the control of the Commander In Chief. A State Defense Force (SDF) is a state militia under the command of the chief executive of that state only. Twenty-five states in America have some kind of SDF, and all states have laws allowing one.

Where is the Air Force Academy in Texas?

General Information: Founded in 1954, United States Air Force Academy is seated on 18000 acres located in El Paso county. It is a university offering both undergraduate and graduate programs.