This week at Camp Swift, the 1st Brigade of the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force) celebrated the graduation of twelve recruits from the latest Basic Orientation Training (BOT) class. Family, friends, and fellow Guardsmen gathered on the parade field as each Soldier marched proudly to receive their Texas State Guard and Texas State Flag patches—a symbolic rite of passage that marks their official entry into service. With crisp uniforms and steely resolve, these newest members of the Vanguard are already learning why their brigade motto is, “Always First.”
Following the graduation ceremony, Brigade leadership had the distinct pleasure of meeting and speaking with the twelve graduated Soldiers, answering questions about the brigade’s mission and culture. Their enthusiasm—underscored the rigorous training they have just completed and set the tone for the disciplined military environment they will now inhabit.
Amid the congratulations, brigade members also honored Colonel Pedro Barreda on his recent promotion to the rank of Colonel and his reassignment as Commandant of the TXSG Recruitment and Training Command. A longtime friend and colleague of many in the brigade, COL Barreda brings decades of shared service experience and a deep commitment to developing the Guard’s next generation. “For the RTC’s success is the Vanguard’s success,” remarked one officer, reflecting the confidence and support that his peers have for his leadership.
Basic Orientation Training in the Texas State Guard is an intensive program designed to instill core soldiering skills, from military customs and courtesies to map reading, land navigation, and basic first aid. Recruits gain hands-on experience with standard-issue equipment and develop a firm understanding of military law, the chain of command, and the core values that underpin every mission. Through teamwork exercises and leadership challenges, the program shapes disciplined, resilient Soldiers who are prepared to serve their communities in any situation.
Along with the graduation the brigade highlighted a recently uploaded video posted on their website featuring Colonel Thomas LeRoy Mitchell Jr., Commander of the 1st Brigade of The Texas State Guard. In the clip, Colonel Mitchell emphasized the importance of Annual Training, how its designed for sharpening operational skills ahead of hurricane season, which began on June 1. During Annual Training at Camp Bowie, May 16–19, the 1st Brigade demonstrated full mission-capable readiness—conducting mass care and medical support, land and water search-and-rescue, engineering tasks, and command operations. Utilizing the Texas Emergency Tracking Network, these Soldiers proved their professionalism and dedication in realistic field conditions.
As the newest Soldiers don their patches and the brigade looks ahead to the challenges of the coming year, the 1st Brigade stands ready—Always First—to protect and serve the people of Texas.
Today truly has been a day for celebration at Camp Swift, Texas …
It began with being present to witness another Texas State Guard Basic Orientation Training (BOT) graduation. Well done to the newest members of the TXSG!
Additionally, it was a pleasure having the opportunity to meet and chat with the 12 assigned to become members of the 1st Brigade “Vanguard.” They will soon come to understand and appreciate why our motto is, “Always First.”
Lastly, I was also very pleased to congratulate my long time friend and colleague, Pedro Barreda, on the occasion of his promotion to the rank of Colonel, and recent reassignment as the Commandant of the TXSG Recruitment and Training Command (RTC). Regardless of our shared service history and mutual respect, COL Barreda has my full confidence and support. For the RTC’s success is the Vanguard’s success
During Annual Training at Camp Bowie, May 16–19, the 1st Brigade of the Texas State Guard demonstrated full operational readiness by successfully executing all mission-ready package capabilities. Their performance—ranging from mass care and medical support to land and water search and rescue, engineering support, and command operations—validated their preparedness in realistic conditions. By utilizing the Texas Emergency Tracking Network, the troops highlighted their professionalism and dedication to serve when called. More to come. (Video by 2Lt. Jeremy Stark, Deputy PAO and Cpl. Carlos Arenas)
Sources: Texas State Guard – Camp Swift
