Rumors often say things are always bigger in Texas, and when it comes to State Defense Forces, that reputation holds true. The Texas State Guard (State Defense Force – TXSG) stands as the largest State Defense Force in the nation, with more than 1,700 soldiers serving across its ranks. While many State Defense Forces struggle to maintain a few hundred personnel, Texas continues to draw in new recruits year after year. During a recent discussion with Major General Roger O. Sheridan, the Commanding General of the Texas State Guard, we explored some of the strategies that contribute to their impressive troop numbers. One of the strongest factors is their consistent and meaningful engagement with the communities they serve especially at public events.
A prime example occurred during the Wings Over Houston Airshow, held at Ellington Airport on October 18–19, 2025. Soldiers from the Region 2 Recruiting and Retention Unit and the Reception and Training Unit spent the weekend meeting with attendees, answering questions, and sharing the mission and purpose of the Texas State Guard. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Clinton Robinson, along with 1st Lieutenant Maynard Fernando and Francis Encila, led the recruiting team as they described how the Texas State Guard plays a vital role in disaster response, supporting communities during hurricanes, floods, severe storms, and other emergencies. They discussed how Guardsmen assist state and local authorities with everything from shelter operations and the Emergency Tracking Network to search and rescue, logistics support, and damage assessment after catastrophic events.
This engagement also served as an opportunity to reach those who feel a call to public service. For veterans who miss the camaraderie, structure, and sense of purpose that military life provides, the Texas State Guard offers a meaningful path to continue serving. For those who have never served before but feel compelled to give back to their state and country, the organization welcomes individuals from all backgrounds who are willing to learn, train, and become part of a mission-focused team. Whether driven by a desire to help their communities or by a personal goal to grow in confidence and skill, new recruits often find the Texas State Guard to be a rewarding and life-changing experience.
Also in November, the 2nd Brigade shifted its focus toward a mission that is just as critical as any deployment: protecting the mental health and wellbeing of its soldiers. Guardsmen of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade participated in U.S. Army ACE Suicide Prevention training during a battalion-wide drill in Conroe, Texas. Led by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gregory Illich, the brigade’s Suicide Intervention Officer, the training incorporated practical exercises, small-group discussions, and real-world scenarios designed to help soldiers recognize the signs of distress, respond appropriately, and support one another.
This training is especially significant during long-term deployments during natural disasters, statewide emergencies or crucial operations such as Operation Lone Star, a state mission conducted by the Texas Military Department that involves the Texas Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard. The operation aims to prevent criminal elements, drug trafficking, and dangerous individuals from crossing the southern border into the United States. While the mission is extremely important to the security of Texas and The United States, the extended deployments have placed significant strain on service members, especially for soldiers that receive little to no friends and family support, as they are more likely to have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Over the past several years, these stresses have contributed to the loss of more than a dozen soldiers, making suicide prevention and resilience-building a top priority for the organization.
The ACE training emphasizes three key actions: Act, Care, and Escort. Guardsmen learned how to build protective measures by strengthening rapport with fellow unit members, engaging in shared activities, and encouraging a culture where everyone looks after one another. Troops worked through how to identify risk factors and warning signs and were empowered to step in immediately when a fellow soldier might be in crisis. 1st Battalion Chaplain Jason Deatherage and 2nd Brigade Chaplain John Mathews were present to help guide the discussion, reinforcing how vital each member is in safeguarding the wellbeing of the team. Mathews also noted that this training is now an annual requirement thanks to the Texas Military Department’s efforts to mirror the U.S. Army’s approach to mental health support.
Through both community engagement and internal resilience-building initiatives, the Texas State Guard 2nd Brigade demonstrates how a strong force is built not only through numbers, but through connection, purpose, and care for one another. These efforts strengthen recruitment, improve retention, and ensure that every soldier is supported—both in the field and at home.
If you know anyone suffering from depression, grieving from loss or appear to be in need of help, please recommend the following:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988, or (800) 273 8255
Veteran Hotline: Text 838255
Veteran Crisis Line: 888 640 5443
Guardsmen from the Region 2 Recruiting and Retention Unit and the Reception and Training Unit visit with attendees, educating them about the Texas State Guard, at the Wings Over Houston Airshow, Ellington Airport, Houston, Texas, Oct. 18-19, 2025. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Clinton Robinson, 1st Lts. Maynard Fernando and Francis Encila, and their recruiting team, discussed the role of the Texas State Guard, providing disaster response and support during hurricanes, floods and other emergencies. Guardsmen assist local and state authorities as needed, from providing the Emergency Tracking Network and shelter operations, to search and rescue, damage assessment and logistics support.
The Texas State Guard is an excellent opportunity for those who have previously served and miss the sense of purpose, structure, and service that military life provides.
If you’ve never served in the military but are driven by a desire to give back, learn new skills, and be part of something greater than yourself, the TXSG could be a perfect fit. We welcome individuals from all walks of life who are willing to step up, serve their fellow Texans, and grow personally and professionally. (Texas State Guard photos by 1st Lt. Francis Encila and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gregory Illich)
Please click on the link below to have a recruiter contact you.
Guardsmen of 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard, learn and apply the U.S. Army ACE (Act, Care, and Escort) Suicide Prevention training during a battalion-wide drill, Conroe, Texas, November 8, 2025. Chief Warrant Officer 2, Gregory Illich, Suicide Intervention Officer for 2nd Brigade, engaged the troops through practical exercises, small group discussion and application to real-world situations. Guardsmen learned how to develop protective measures, including building a rapport with fellow members through active listening and involving each other in activities, learning opportunities and self-care. Finally, troops identified risk factors and warning signs for immediate action and care and were empowered to step in and do their part for those who are struggling. 1st Battalion Chaplain Jason Deatherage and 2nd Brigade Chaplain John Mathews were on hand to provide support and explain how vital each guardsman is to build resiliency and ensure everyone gets the help they need. Mathews emphasized that this training is now being offered annually thanks to the efforts of the Texas Military Department following the model of the U.S. Army.
A reminder, if you need help or if you know of someone who is struggling, remember: You are not alone! We are here for you.
Lifelines are out there for anyone who needs help:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988, or (800) 273 8255
Veteran Hotline: Text 838255
Veteran Crisis Line: 888 640 5443
Texas Military Department Counseling (non-crisis): 512 782 5069 (Texas State Guard photos by 1st Sgt. Jason Wadley)
Sources: Texas State Guard – Texas Standard