The latest edition of The Guard Post, the quarterly newsletter of the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force – TXSG), captures a year defined by growth, professionalism, and sustained operational tempo throughout 2025. The newsletter reflects on a force that balanced demanding training cycles, statewide missions, and leadership development while continuing to mature into a highly capable and mission-ready organization. From brigade-level field exercises to individual achievements, the publication underscores how Guardsmen across Texas answered the call to serve their communities and state.
In addition to training and readiness, this issue of The Guard Post highlights the human side of the Texas State Guard, recognizing personal journeys, leadership milestones, and the collective spirit that binds the force together. The stories featured throughout the newsletter reinforce a clear theme: 2025 was not only a year of operational impact, but one that strengthened the Guard’s culture, leadership pipeline, and long-term readiness.
One of the most personal reflections comes from the Officer Candidate School series, where a Texas State Guard officer recounts the demanding and transformative path through OCS. Written in the author’s own words, the article offers a candid look at leadership development, personal motivation, and the challenges that shape future officers. It emphasizes that OCS is designed to test resolve and character, forging leaders who earn their commission through perseverance rather than entitlement.
That theme of earned leadership continues with the selection of two Texas State Guard leaders for the Texas Military Department Senior Military College Leadership and Teaching Initiative. First Lt. Andrew Canham and Command Sgt. Maj. David Ocasio were chosen from a highly competitive applicant pool to serve in full-time mentoring roles at Texas A&M University, supporting the Corps of Cadets. Their selection highlights both individual excellence and the Guard’s growing role in joint leadership development efforts across the Texas Military Department.
From 1st Brigade, an Officer Candidate School graduate reflects on Class 24 at Camp Swift, where attrition and adversity were part of the design. Beginning with thirteen candidates and graduating only seven, the experience tested candidates physically, mentally, and emotionally. The author underscores that success in OCS is not an individual effort, but a collective one built on teamwork, accountability, and the refusal to quit.
Community service took center stage in 2nd Brigade, where volunteers collected more than 2,000 toys as part of the Young Heroes of the Guard Toy Drive. Guardsmen partnered with local businesses, media outlets, and nonprofit organizations to support children in hospitals and communities affected by natural disasters. Continuing a twelve-year tradition, volunteers personally delivered toys to hospitalized children, reinforcing the Guard’s deep connection to the communities it serves.
Also within 2nd Brigade, 3rd Battalion sharpened search and rescue skills during a training event at the historic Camp Hearne World War II site. The training combined physical conditioning, rope and knot-tying skills, and historical education, linking modern readiness with Texas military history. The event further prepared Guardsmen for future endurance challenges, including the upcoming Norwegian Foot March.
In 3rd Brigade, the annual Christmas Dining Out brought soldiers, families, and leaders together to reflect on the year’s accomplishments. Held on South Padre Island, the event honored tradition while strengthening morale and esprit de corps. Brigade leadership emphasized that recognizing the people behind the mission is essential to sustaining readiness and commitment throughout the force.
Operational capability continued to expand in 6th Brigade, where more than two dozen service members completed engineering pre-vetting tests in support of Operation Lone Star missions. The testing validated technical skills, mission knowledge, and readiness for infrastructure and barrier support operations along the border. These newly qualified personnel strengthen the Guard’s ability to rapidly support state and partner agencies when specialized capabilities are required.
Recruit training remained a cornerstone of force development, as a new Basic Orientation Training class completed its initial journey into service. The training emphasized teamwork, humility, and purpose, transforming everyday Texans into disciplined members of the Guard. The introduction of a new Training Command periodical, The Formation, aims to provide transparency into training standards while highlighting the cadre and students who sustain readiness across the organization.
Behind the scenes, the Training Command’s 4-Shop received formal recognition for exceptional service in maintaining and improving Camp Swift training facilities. The logistics team supported equipment accountability, infrastructure repairs, and facility upgrades that directly enabled training operations. Their work exemplified the often unseen efforts that keep the Guard functioning effectively.
Professional development remained a priority through the Texas State Guard Noncommissioned Officer Academy, which continues to build leaders at every level. With a structured progression from Basic to Senior Leader Courses, the academy reinforces standardized education aligned with operational requirements. This tiered approach ensures NCOs are prepared to lead confidently as the Guard’s mission scope and responsibilities continue to expand.
The newsletter closes with a leadership transition at Headquarters that began with two Command Sergeants Major playfully “going to battle” in a ceremonial passing of responsibility. Command Sergeant Major Jerry Kovar assumed duties as the Guard’s senior enlisted advisor, while outgoing advisor Command Sergeant Major Harlan Thompson was honored for three years of steady leadership. The ceremony symbolized both continuity and momentum, as the Guard looks ahead to new challenges with seasoned leadership at its core.
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2025-12tgpSource: Texas State Guard
