April marked the beginning of Annual Training (AT) for multiple brigades across the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force – TXSG) as they prepared for the challenges of 2025. A centerpiece of this year’s training is the vital mission of Search and Rescue (SAR), an area where the Texas State Guard has built one of the most advanced and capable programs in the nation.

Over the years, the Texas State Guard’s SAR capabilities have evolved dramatically. Originally focused on woodland Search and Rescue, the program has expanded into urban SAR operations and, more recently, Maritime Search and Rescue. This maritime capability has proven crucial, especially during Texas’ frequent hurricanes and devastating floods. When regions of the state are submerged under many feet of water, Texas State Guard Maritime SAR Teams are deployed to rescue stranded Texans, swiftly transporting them to medical facilities or safe zones.

What sets the Texas State Guard apart is not only their ability to locate and rescue individuals but also their capacity to provide immediate emergency medical care in the field. SAR personnel are trained to stabilize severely injured individuals during rescue operations, ensuring they receive critical life-saving treatment even before reaching a hospital. This dual-rescue and medical capability has saved countless lives during disasters and emergencies.

During this year’s Annual Training, all brigades across the Texas State Guard participated in extensive SAR training exercises. Under the leadership of 1st Lt. Christopher Whitt, commander of Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, and adjunct Officer in Charge of a major Search and Rescue-Recovery (SAR-R) exercise, Guardsmen honed a wide range of critical skills at Camp Swift from April 2–6, 2025. Here are just a few of the training courses included during AT:

• Long distance ruck marches
• Refresher courses in land navigation and map reading
• Rappelling off towers to simulate high-angle rescues
• Rapid setup of temporary shelters during severe storms
• Litter carrying techniques for transporting injured individuals
• Providing emergency medical treatment to severely wounded victims
• Training in alternate methods for carrying immobile Texans when litters are unavailable
• Safe and proper loading and unloading of injured personnel into emergency vehicles

The emphasis on readiness ensures that SAR teams from every brigade are fully prepared to assist during hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies that endanger the lives of Texans. Guardsmen participating in the exercise train year-round to maintain peak proficiency, reflecting the Texas State Guard’s enduring motto: “Texans Serving Texas.”

As the 2025 hurricane season rapidly approaches, the Texas State Guard stands ready to respond at a moment’s notice, committed to protecting lives, providing emergency aid, and ensuring that Texans have the support they need when disaster strikes.

1st Lt. Christopher Whitt, commander, Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, Texas State Guard, serving as adjunct Officer in Charge of a Search and Rescue-Recovery (SAR-R) exercise, joins guardsmen from all brigades across the Texas State Guard to practice and hone their skills at Camp Swift, April 2-6, 2025. Members of the SAR-R teams train year round to be ready to assist during hurricanes, floods or other emergencies to keep Texans safe. Well done all! Texans Serving Texas. (Texas State Guard photos

Source: Texas State Guard – Texas State Guard