Troops from the 1st Battalion, 1st Civil Support Brigade (1BN/1CSB) of the South Carolina State Guard (State Defense Force) recently conducted vital chainsaw training for soldiers of the South Carolina Army National Guard’s 351st Aviation Support Battalion (ASB) and 2-263rd Air Defense Artillery (ADA). The training mission, held on June 9, 2025, was designed to familiarize these units with the proper use, maintenance, and repair of chainsaws in the context of disaster recovery operations.
Chainsaws play a crucial role in the aftermath of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms. After such events, downed trees and debris often block roadways, making it difficult for emergency services to reach affected areas. Both National Guard and State Guard troops are frequently activated to clear major routes, allowing ambulances, search and rescue teams, and supply convoys to assist South Carolinians in need. The skills taught during this training are essential for ensuring swift and efficient response during state emergencies.
In addition to their use in storm recovery, chainsaws have become increasingly important in combating wildfires—a growing threat in many regions of the country. Chainsaws are used to cut firebreaks, clear brush, and remove hazardous trees in the path of advancing flames. The ability to deploy hundreds of soldiers trained in chainsaw operations provides a rapid-response capability that can make a critical difference in containing wildfires and protecting communities.
The June 9th training event included not only enlisted soldiers but also high-ranking leaders who participated as students, including Brigadier General William Hollingsworth of the South Carolina State Guard and Major General Jeff Jones of the South Carolina Army National Guard. Their involvement highlights the shared commitment across both organizations to continually improve joint readiness and operational effectiveness.
The collaboration between the South Carolina State Guard and South Carolina National Guard is a testament to the strength of interagency partnerships. These joint training missions build camaraderie, trust, and interoperability between the two forces, ensuring they can work seamlessly during real-world missions. As natural disasters become more frequent and intense, it is essential to have well-trained personnel equipped with the tools and skills needed to respond. The continued investment in chainsaw training by the South Carolina State Guard helps ensure a stronger, faster, and more prepared response when South Carolinians need it most.
SCSG 1BN /1CSB conducted a training mission on 9 Jun 2025 for select members of the 351st ASB and 2-263rd ADA of the SCNG. This was a training exercise to familiarize the SCNG units with chainsaws as well as debris clearing operations. Also attending this training were BG William Hollingsworth (SCSG) and MG Jeff Jones (SCNG) as students. #TrainedandReady #SCNG
