In April, The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) proudly announced the graduation of a new class of Search & Rescue (SAR) soldiers from its esteemed Search & Rescue School. These newly minted specialists completed months of rigorous and grueling training, earning the right to wear the prized and highly respected Search & Rescue Tab.
The SAR II training course, which ran from November 2024 through April 2025, took place at three key locations across north Georgia. The soldiers endured harsh winter conditions, 25,000-step days over rugged mountain terrain, and heavy downpours during the final stretch of training. Notable graduates of this demanding course include CPT Congro, SSG Sandlin, SGT Givans, and SSG Strzalkowski, while SGT Graff served as an instructor, passing on his expertise to the next generation of SAR soldiers.
The course tested the physical and mental endurance of participants through a variety of intense challenges. Soldiers underwent heavy ruck marching across steep and unforgiving landscapes, developing the stamina required for real-world missions. They were trained in advanced techniques for quickly and thoroughly covering vast forested areas, critical for locating missing persons in the shortest time possible. Rappelling was another key component of the curriculum—soldiers not only honed their ability to navigate vertical terrain but also became experts in tying high-strength knots designed to hold under extreme conditions.
Equally important was the medical training integrated into the SAR curriculum. Recognizing that time is often the most critical factor in emergency situations, SAR soldiers learned how to provide lifesaving care to individuals suffering from severe injuries. Their training enables them to stabilize patients in the field—whether treating fractures, controlling bleeding, or managing other critical wounds—before safely moving them to hospitals or medical facilities for further treatment.
This rigorous preparation proved invaluable during Patriot 25, a massive joint task force exercise held from March 24–27, 2025. Patriot 25 brought together over 700 personnel from the Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia Air National Guard, National Guard units from other states, Georgia State Defense Force and numerous federal, state, and local agencies. The exercise simulated a catastrophic earthquake, requiring military and civilian teams to work side by side in urban search and rescue, aeromedical evacuations, and disaster response operations.
GSDF soldiers played crucial roles throughout the exercise. They conducted high-risk rescues from collapsed buildings, submerged vehicles, and simulated tunnel collapses. Their expertise was put to the test during a complex rotary-to-fixed-wing medical evacuation, transferring a critically injured patient from a Black Hawk helicopter to a Wyoming Air National Guard C-130 aircraft with precision and speed. In addition, GSDF personnel demonstrated advanced proficiency with FEMA-standard marking systems and cutting-edge UAV technology to track progress and ensure every corner of the disaster site was searched.
The exercise also tested the soldiers’ adaptability and resilience. Scenarios ranged from collapsed bridges and downed aircraft to urban disaster sites requiring tight coordination with engineers and first responders. GSDF soldiers proved their ability not only to extract victims safely but also to work alongside investigative teams, such as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, to balance rescue and forensic priorities at simulated crash scenes.
With their deep commitment to excellence and their exhaustive training, GSDF’s Search & Rescue teams have earned their reputation as one of the most professional and capable SAR units in the nation. They are frequently called upon during statewide emergencies—whether floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters—to assist Georgians in urgent need of rescue and medical assistance. Even in times of calm, GSDF SAR teams are routinely requested by local police and authorities to support search operations, such as locating missing hikers in Georgia’s vast wilderness.
Congratulations to the new SAR graduates on their well-deserved success. Their dedication and readiness exemplify the Georgia State Defense Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of Georgia.
Congratulations to the 5 soldiers from 1BN who participated in the 2024-2025 SARII Training Course! CPT Congro, SSG Sandlin, SGT Givans and SSG Strzalkowski successfully completed “Winter SAR”, and SGT Graff took part as an instructor.
The course took place from November 2024 through this past weekend in three locations around north Georgia. Student soldiers endured grueling cold temperatures, 25,000-step days in the rugged mountain terrain, and closed out the course with a lot of rain on the final day.
Well done, SAR Class!
Ready, Set, Rappel!
Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers train during a GSDF search and rescue course, north Georgia, Feb. 8, 2025.
We are Georgia’s state guard!
Getting ‘Er Done!
From November through April, Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers put in the training time required for obtaining the coveted, but well-earned, search and rescue tab.
We are Georgia’s state guard!
Source: Georgia State Defense Force – Georgia State Defense Force
