Even though December is traditionally a time to slow down and celebrate with family and friends, service in the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force – TXSG) does not pause with the holiday season. For the soldiers of the Texas State Guard’s 3rd Brigade, December remained a month of purpose and preparation. During their December training weekend, the brigade focused on demanding, mission-critical training designed to ensure they are ready to respond when Texans need them most, regardless of the calendar.
A major component of the training centered on physical endurance, beginning with a long ruck march that pushed soldiers to their limits. These events are intentionally demanding, reinforcing the reality that emergencies rarely occur under ideal conditions. In disaster response and rescue operations, soldiers are often required to cover long distances under load, maneuver through dangerous and unstable terrain, and continue performing critical tasks despite physical exhaustion, all while carrying or assisting an injured casualty to safety. The endurance training conducted by 3rd Brigade ensures that when the situation demands more than expected, their soldiers are capable of giving it.
Rope training was another key focus of the weekend, strengthening skills essential to Search and Rescue operations. Soldiers trained to confidently rappel from heights, an ability that directly translates to real-world rescue scenarios involving collapsed structures, steep embankments, flooded areas, and unstable terrain. This type of training reinforces why the Texas State Guard is recognized as having one of the best Search and Rescue capabilities in the nation. Guard members are trained to operate across extreme environments, from widespread flooding and torrential rainfall that destabilizes ground conditions, to hurricane-force winds and tornado-damaged areas, all with the singular goal of reaching Texans in distress.
Medical readiness also played a central role in the training weekend. Once soldiers reach stranded or trapped individuals, the mission does not end with extraction alone. Guardsmen practiced emergency medical skills to stabilize injured civilians on-site, ensuring they can be safely moved to higher levels of care. These lifesaving skills are critical during disasters, where immediate medical attention can mean the difference between life and death, especially when access to hospitals may be delayed or disrupted.
The brigade also conducted training on Aerial Port of Embarkation and Aerial Port of Disembarkation operations. These exercises prepare soldiers to work seamlessly with Army National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard aviation assets during medical evacuations. Guardsmen trained to properly clear landing zones, safely approach aircraft, and secure casualties for air transport when injuries are severe and time is critical. This coordination ensures that injured Texans can be rapidly moved from austere environments to hospitals capable of providing advanced medical treatment.
Service members of the Texas State Guard, 3rd Brigade, 1st Battalion, conducted this full-spectrum training at La Sal del Rey Wildlife Refuge, emphasizing teamwork and readiness across multiple mission areas. Alongside endurance and rope training, troops executed active-shooter response scenarios, practiced litter carries, and rehearsed 9-line medical evacuation procedures. Each event was deliberately designed to strengthen resilience, sharpen skills, and build trust among team members, ensuring they can operate effectively under pressure.
As the holidays approach, Texans can take comfort in knowing that while many gather to celebrate, their state military forces remain vigilant. The Texas State Guard stands ready at all hours, on any day, and in any conditions, prepared to answer the call when disaster strikes. Whether an emergency unfolds in the middle of the night, during a major storm, or on a holiday weekend, Texas State Guard soldiers remain committed to protecting their communities and coming to the aid of Texans when it matters most.
Service members of the Texas State Guard, 3rd Brigade, 1st Battalion recently conducted a full-spectrum training weekend at La Sal del Rey Wildlife Refuge—focusing on the skills and teamwork required to serve Texans when it matters most.
Throughout the drill, troops pushed through a challenging ruck, strengthened confidence and coordination on ropes training, and executed active-shooter response scenarios. They also practiced critical lifesaving tasks, including litter carries and 9-line medical evacuation procedures, and refined Landing Zone (LZ) operations to support emergency response missions.
Each event was designed to build readiness, teamwork, and resilience—key elements that ensure Texas State Guard service members remain prepared to support communities across our state.
Duty First. Texas Always.
Photos submitted by Maj. Michele Stuart, 1BN, 3BDE, TXSG.
Source: Texas State Guard