Texas State Guard Basic Training: Length, Tracks, and What Recruits Learn Before Becoming Soldiers

Major General Roger O. Sheridan, the new Commanding General of the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force), walks through exactly what recruits can expect from TXSG Basic Training. He explains the course length and how the pipeline differs for prior-service versus non-prior-service recruits—highlighting an accelerated path for those with previous military experience while maintaining a full, standards-based curriculum for first-timers. Sheridan describes how the program builds core soldier skills and discipline from day one, with an emphasis on physical readiness, teamwork, and safety. He also addresses whether training elements like Search & Rescue and obstacle course fitness events are incorporated, clarifying how they’re used to reinforce practical readiness. The conversation closes with a look ahead at a forthcoming policy update that may add formal firearms training to the Basic Training Program and why that may be needed for future missions.

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Special Thank you To Major General Roger O. Sheridan, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Farley & Captain David Brown

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