In 2025, the Tennessee State Guard’s (State Defense Force) medical units such as The 61st Medical Battalion have once again proven themselves indispensable to the health and readiness of the Tennessee National Guard. Over the last several years, these highly trained professionals have become the backbone of medical evaluations, screenings, and support operations for the state’s military forces. Their impact is especially critical as the Tennessee National Guard has over the past few years faced shortages in medical personnel — a gap the State Guard has stepped in to fill with unmatched expertise.
From primary care physicians and dentists to mental health professionals, EMTs, medics, and registered nurses, the Tennessee State Guard’s medical corps represents a deep well of talent. This capability has allowed them to provide not just routine evaluations but also advanced life-saving training, combat medical instruction, and joint operations with some of the U.S. Army’s most elite medical units. Their involvement has strengthened the Tennessee National Guard’s operational readiness and ensured that soldiers across the state receive the care and training they need to succeed in their missions.
Over the past year alone, the State Guard’s 61st Medical Battalion has conducted intensive medical training with National Guard units, trained soldiers of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment in lifesaving combat care, and worked alongside Active Duty U.S. Army Medical units to refine advanced medical techniques. Whether conducting mass casualty training, improving trauma response times, or delivering hands-on care, the 61st Medical Battalion and its partner units have become a vital part of Tennessee’s military medical infrastructure.
This August, that commitment was on full display during a August State Guard & National Guard joint drill. The Tennessee State Guard’s medical personnel worked directly with the Tennessee National Guard’s 208th Area Support Medical Company (ASMC) and the Medical Detachment (MED DET) to conduct medical screenings for three major Tennessee Army National Guard formations: the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the 181st Field Artillery Regiment, and the 30th Troop Command.
Members of the State Guard’s 21st Medical Company played a key role in this operation, assisting the 208th ASMC and MED DET in processing and evaluating approximately 150 Tennessee Army National Guard service members. The screenings were comprehensive, ensuring soldiers met physical readiness requirements and identifying any health concerns before they could impact mission readiness.
For the Tennessee State Guard, this was more than just another drill — it was another demonstration of their ability to provide mission-critical medical support on demand. The operation underscored the value of their medical units, both as a force multiplier for the National Guard and as a safeguard for the health of Tennessee’s military personnel. As the motto proudly declares: TSG 61st Strong!
Source: Tennessee State Guard 61st Medical Battalion
