Just days after we reported on the 1st Brigade’s preparations for their 2025 Annual Training, the 2nd Brigade of the Texas State Guard has begun its own rigorous cycle of readiness and operations. Like their sister brigade, the 2nd Brigade initiated the State Military Readiness Program (SMRP), a vital process that ensures every Guardsman is prepared for the intensive and mission-critical training ahead.
Troops cycled through a comprehensive administrative review to verify and update key documentation—ranging from contact and emergency notification information to next-of-kin details, service records, and legal documents such as wills and powers of attorney. Equipment readiness was also assessed, ensuring every Guardsman possessed essential items such as uniforms, ID cards, and personal protective gear.
Medical readiness was another crucial aspect of the SMRP. Guardsmen visited medical evaluation stations where professionals reviewed blood pressure, body measurements for height and weight compliance, updated medical histories, reviewed prescriptions, and assessed overall physical fitness for duty. These screenings are indispensable to confirm that each member is ready to serve and deploy under the demanding conditions that the Annual Training simulates.
Annual Training for the 2nd Brigade began at the Texas Division of Emergency Management Region 8 Headquarters, located at Texas A&M University’s RELLIS Campus in Bryan, Texas. During the first phase of Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (RSOI), Guardsmen were briefed on their operational assignments for the upcoming four-day exercise. This year’s training featured the Emergency Tracking Network (ETN), where Guardsmen were scanned in as a part of accountability procedures—mimicking real-world disaster relief operations where civilians are tracked for evacuation and sheltering.
To further prepare for the demands of hurricane season and potential state activations, soldiers went through validation stations in communications, administration, logistics, chaplain services, and medical readiness. These exercises ensure that the brigade is not only prepared to respond, but also seamlessly integrated with state emergency management systems.
In a notable highlight, the 2nd Brigade hosted two special guests from across the country—representatives from the Michigan Defense Force. These soldiers traveled to Texas to observe and participate in the training with the aim of adopting best practices from the nation’s largest and most operationally active State Defense Force. According to sources within the Michigan Defense Force, although their force recently saw a reduction in numbers, they have been increasing their operational tempo and training initiatives. Their participation in the 2nd Brigade’s AT signals a strong commitment to rebuilding and modernizing their capabilities.
We commend the Michigan Defense Force for their forward momentum and congratulate the soldiers of the 2nd Brigade for their professionalism, readiness, and example. As their motto says, the 2nd Brigade stands Ad Omnia Parati—”Ready for Anything!”
Stay tuned for further updates from Texas State Guards 2025 Annual Training.
Guardsmen of 2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard, begin Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI) and are briefed on operations for four days of Annual Training at the Texas Division of Emergency Management Region 8 Headquarters, Texas A&M University, Rellis Campus, Bryan, Texas, April 24, 2025. This year, Emergency Tracking Network (ETN) operators of 2nd Brigade scanned guardsmen in for tracking and accountability, as they would do for community members seeking evacuation or shelter during an actual emergency. In addition to in-processing, 2nd Brigade members completed a validation process at various stations including administration, communications, supply, medical and the chaplain to prepare for deployment during the upcoming hurricane season. We were honored that two members of the Michigan Defense Force also in-processed to observe and participate in all the training to take back best practices for their own units.
2nd Brigade is ad omnia parati, “ready for anything!” (Texas State Guard photos by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gregory Illich)
Source: Texas State Guard
