In September, service members from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade of the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force) gathered at Camp Maxey for an extensive Field Training Exercise (FTX). This event focused on refining critical Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities, such as tying hasty harnesses and rappelling—essential for accessing difficult terrain swiftly and conducting initial triage, first aid, and stabilization until professional medical teams can intervene. The exercise also featured a confidence course to build physical and mental fortitude, nine-line casualty evacuation communication drills for efficient medical evacuation requests, and training with the ISTAT/PSTAT tools for accurate and timely disaster damage assessments.
During the FTX, service members trained with key tools designed for disaster response: the Public State of Texas Assessment Tool (PSTAT) and the Initial State of Texas Assessment Tool (ISTAT). The PSTAT enables local officials and trained damage assessment teams to document and evaluate damage to public infrastructure by collecting data on location, severity, and cost. This tool is essential for facilitating strategic and tactical decision-making, providing direct access with multiple download options for efficient information sharing. The ISTAT, on the other hand, is used at the onset of disasters to gather initial damage assessment data for homes, businesses, and agricultural areas. This tool plays a crucial role in determining the scope of an event and is vital for confirming damage levels during joint Preliminary Damage Assessments with federal partners.
The Texas State Guard is widely recognized as having one of the most proficient Search and Rescue teams in the nation. Their teams are called upon during natural disasters such as severe weather, hurricanes, flooding, and tornadoes to respond and assist stranded citizens. The Guard’s expertise also extends to maritime Search and Rescue operations, with specialized teams capable of deploying into fully flooded zones to rescue individuals trapped by rising waters. Their well-trained SAR units underscore the Guard’s commitment to safeguarding Texans during their most vulnerable moments.
Service members from the Texas State Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 1st Brigade, participated in a Field Training Exercise (FTX) at Camp Maxey in September. They practiced tying hasty harnesses and rappelling, vital skills for Search and Rescue (SAR) teams to quickly access difficult areas for initial triage, first aid, and stabilization until advanced medical help arrives. The troops also completed a confidence course, practiced nine-line casualty evacuation communications, and trained with the ISTAT/PSTAT tool for damage assessment during emergencies.(Videos by 2nd Lt. Jeremy Stark and Pfc, Bryan Sather) #TexansServingTexas #TXSGSAR #TXSG #vanguardbrigade
Source: Texas State Guard – PSTAT / ISTAT
