Texas Military Forces

Last updated
Texas Military Forces
Founded18 February 1823;201 years ago (1823)
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
AllegianceFlag of Texas.svg  State of Texas
Size23,200 personnel
Garrison/HQBuilding Eight, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas, U.S.
30°11′03″N97°27′14″E / 30.1842173°N 97.4538338°E / 30.1842173; 97.4538338
Engagements List of conflicts involving the Texas Military
Commanders
Commander-in-chief Governor Greg Abbott
Adjutant general Major General Thomas M. Suelzer
Joint Staff directorVacant
Executive DirectorShelia Taylor
Command Sergeant Major CSM Frederick M. Heard

The Texas Military Forces (TXMF) are the principal instrument through which the Texas Military Department (TMD) executes security policy for Texas, which has the second-largest population and border in the United States. [1]

Contents

The Texas Military Forces have a budget of $1.851 billion as of 2023. [2] Current forces include the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard of the Texas Militia. Former forces include the Texian Militia, Texian Army, Texian Navy, Texas Army, Texas Navy, and Texas Marines. It also included the Texas Rangers from their inception until 1935. [3]

The Texas Military Forces are administered by the Texas Military Department under command of the adjutant general of Texas, who is appointed by and subordinate to the governor of Texas, the commander-in-chief-in-Texas, and is also subordinate to the President of the United States, the commander-in-chief. [4]

History

Texas Military Forces are inextricably linked and have served an integral role in the development, history, culture, and international reputation of Texas. [5] They were established with the Texian Militia in 1823 (thirteen years before the Republic of Texas and twenty-two years before the State of Texas) by Stephen Austin to defend the Old Three Hundred in the Colony of Texas. [6]

Texas Military Forces sparked the Texas Revolution at the Battle of Velasco and became legendary at the Battle of Gonzales (the "Lexington of Texas"). [7] [8] [9] Their legend continued at their defeat by Mexican forces at Siege of the Alamo, with events such as the Immortal 32 and To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World, which resulted in one of the most notable last stands in history. [10] As of 2018, the Alamo Mission is the most visited tourist attraction in Texas and one of ten manmade UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States. [11] The Texas Military's legend was sealed at the Battle of San Jacinto, when they defeated Santa Anna's army in 18 minutes, achieving independence from the Centralist Republic of Mexico and establishing the Republic of Texas, one of three colonies to win independence without foreign aid in world history and the only American state (the Thirteen Colonies were aided by France, and the California Republic and Republic of Hawaii were aided by the United States). [10] The artillery used during the battle, the Twin Sisters, are considered the "Holy Grail of Texas". [12]

During the 19th century, the Texas Rangers' service in the Texas-Indians Wars and fighting outlaws significantly contributed to the folklore of the "Wild West". [13]

During the American Civil War, Texas Military Forces served under the command of Union and Confederate militaries. When the first units reached Virginia, Jefferson Davis greeted them by declaring: "Texans! The troops of other states have their reputations to gain, but the sons of the defenders of the Alamo have theirs to maintain." [14] The Texas Brigade achieved distinction as Confederate shock troops, while the Davis Guards maintained Texas as the only Confederate State, along with Florida, unconquered by the Union with their victory at Second Battle of Sabine Pass. It is referred to as the "Thermopylae of the Confederacy" and the most one-sided Confederate victory of the war. [15] [16] Texas Military Forces also fought for slavery at the Battle of Palemito Ranch. [17]

Texas Military Forces have not waged a domestic combat operation since the 19th century. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, they have been primarily engaged in military operations other than war, including manmade and natural disaster operations, search and rescue operations, counterdrug operations, and border security operations. Most notably, the Mexican Drug War, Texas City Disaster, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, Bastrop County Complex Fire, Operation Jump Start, Operation Phalanx, Operation Faithful Patriot, COVID-19 Pandemic, George Floyd protests, and Operation Lone Star.

Under command of the United States Department of Defense, Texas Military Forces have served in the Mexican War, Spanish War, Philippine War, Mexican Expedition, World War I, World War II, Cold War (Korea and Vietnam campaigns), and War on Terror. Since the September 11 attacks, Texas Military units have been deployed for the war on terror more than any other state. [18]

Administration

Texas Military Forces are administered by the Texas Military Department under command of the Adjutant General of Texas, who is appointed by and subordinate to the Governor of Texas, the Commander in Chief. [4]

Authority

Texas Military Forces exist under civilian control. Since 1903, Texas Military Forces are authorized by Title 32 of the United States Code and Article 4 of the Texas Constitution to "execute the laws of the State, to suppress insurrections, and to repel invasions." [19] [20] Texas Army National Guard and Texas Air National Guard units are also subject to Title 10 of the United States Code, which legally empowers the United States government to mobilize them when more resources are needed than available in the United States Armed Forces for war, national emergency, or national security. [21] Under Title 10, operations are conducted under command of the United States Department of Defense by the Secretary of Defense.

Awards and decorations

Awards and decorations of the Texas Military are the medals, ribbons, badges, tabs, trophies, plaques, certificates, memorials, monuments, holidays, and general honors that recognize service and achievement in the Texas Military Forces.

Conflicts

The history of conflicts involving the Texas Military Forces spans over two centuries, from 1823 to the present, under the command authority (the ultimate source of lawful military orders) of four governments including the Texan government (in 3 incarnations), the U.S. government, the Mexican government, and the Confederate government.

Capability

After the United States Armed Forces, Texas Military Forces are the most capable, mission-ready forces in the United States. [22] [23] [18] They include infantry, paratroopers, special forces, armored cavalry, field artillery, communication, cyber, intelligence, support, medical, engineering, civil affairs, and weapon of mass destruction response units totaling over 23,000 service members. It also maintains a fleet of manned and unmanned aircraft with strike, reconnaissance, and transport capabilities, a fleet of rotorcraft, and a fleet of riverine watercraft. It maintains a statewide network of garrison, training, and monitoring installations. It maintains command and control through shelter and mobile tactical operations centers. [23] [18]

Units

Texas Military Forces have undergone many re-designations, reorganizations, and reformations since 1823. Since 1846, Texas Militia units constitute the entirety of the Texas Military Forces.

Current forces

Texas Army National Guard

The Texas Army National Guard is the current land warfare branch of the Texas Military Forces for the State of Texas. Its major units include the 36th Infantry Division, the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, the 71st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, the 36th Sustainment Brigade, the 176th Engineer Brigade, the 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, the 136th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, and the 136th Regiment (CA) (RTI).

Texas Air National Guard

The Texas Air National Guard is the current air warfare branch of the Texas Military Forces for the State of Texas. It is composed of the 149th Fighter Wing, the 136th Airlift Wing, the 147th Attack Wing, the 254th Combat Communications Group, the 272nd Engineering Installation Squadron, and the 204th Security Forces Squadron. The 149th Fighter Wing prepares pilots for combat, the 136th Airlift Wing flies C-130s in-and out of theater and the 147th Reconnaissance Wing has recently acquired reapers to be the eyes in the hostile sky.

Texas State Guard

The Texas State Guard is the current state defense force branch of the Texas Military Forces for the State of Texas. It assists and augments Texas military and civil authorities in times of state emergencies, and in on-going support of National Guard units and local communities.

Former forces

Texian Militia

The Texian Militia was the militia forces of the Texian Colony from 1823 to 1835 and the inaugurate force of the Texas Military. It was established by Stephen F. Austin on August 5, 1823, for defense of the Old Three Hundred colonists against the Karankawa, Comanche, and Cherokee tribes; among others. Its most notable unit, the Texas Rangers, remained in continuous service of Texas Military Forces until 1935.

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers were established as a unit of the Texian Militia in the Texian Colony. During the Texas Revolution, it served as a unit of the Texian Army providing cavalry and conducting special operations such as demolition of Vince's Bridge and Immortal 32 relief force. During the Republic of Texas, it continued to serve as a special forces unit employing guerrilla warfare in the Texas-Indian Wars.

Texian Army

The Texian Army, also known as the Revolutionary Army and Army of the People, was the land warfare branch of the Texian armed forces during the Texas Revolution. It spontaneously formed from the Texian Militia in October 1835 following the Battle of Gonzales. Along with the Texian Navy, it helped the Republic of Texas win independence from the Centralist Republic of Mexico on May 14, 1836, at the Treaties of Velasco. Although the Texas Army was officially established by the Consultation of the Republic of Texas on November 13, 1835, it did not replace the Texian Army until after the Battle of San Jacinto.

Texian Navy

The Texian Navy, also known as the Revolutionary Navy and First Texas Navy, was the naval warfare branch of the Texian armed forces during the Texas Revolution. It was established by the Consultation of the Republic of Texas on November 25, 1835. Along with the Texian Army, it helped the Republic of Texas win independence from the Centralist Republic of Mexico on May 14, 1836, at the Treaties of Velasco. It was replaced by the Texas Navy on March 23, 1839.

Texas Army

The Texas Army, officially the Army of the Republic of Texas, was the land warfare branch of the Texas Military Forces during the Republic of Texas. It descended from the Texian Army, which was established in October 1835 to fight for independence from Centralist Republic of Mexico in the Texas Revolution. The Texas Army was provisionally formed by the Consultation in November 1835, however it did not replace the Texian Army until after the Battle of San Jacinto. The Texas Army, Texas Navy, and Texas Militia were officially established on September 5, 1836, in Article II of the Constitution of the Republic of Texas. The Texas Army and Texas Navy were merged with the United States Armed Forces on February 19, 1846, after the Republic of Texas became the 28th state of America.

Texas Navy

The Texas Navy, officially the Navy of the Republic of Texas, also known as the Second Texas Navy, was the naval warfare branch of the Texas Military Forces during the Republic of Texas. It descended from the Texian Navy, which was established in November 1835 to fight for independence from Centralist Republic of Mexico in the Texas Revolution. The Texas Navy, Texas Army, and Texas Militia were officially established on September 5, 1836, in Article II of the Constitution of the Republic of Texas. The Texas Navy and Texas Army were merged with the United States Armed Forces on February 19, 1846, after the Republic of Texas became the 28th state of America.

Texas Marines

The Texas Marines, officially the Marine Corps of the Republic of Texas, were the naval infantry of the Texas Navy tasked with enforcing discipline aboard ships, providing security at shore stations, sharpshooting, and naval boarding. It was officially established on January 14, 1836, and modeled after the United States Marines Corps.

Texas Militia

Since 1846, Texas Militia units have constituted the entirety of the Texas Military Forces. Current units are the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard. Former units include the Texas Home Guard/State Troops (1861–65), Texas Volunteer Guard (1871-1904), Texas Reserve Militia (1905-1913), Texas Home Guard (1914-1918), Texas Reserve Militia (1919-1940), Texas Defense/State Guard (1941–45), and Texas State Guard Reserve Corps (1945-1965).

Notable members

Portrayal in media

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas Revolution</span> Rebellion of US colonists and Tejanos against the Mexican government (1835–36)

The Texas Revolution was a rebellion of colonists from the United States and Tejanos against the centralist government of Mexico in the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. Although the uprising was part of a larger one, the Mexican Federalist War, that included other provinces opposed to the regime of President Antonio López de Santa Anna, the Mexican government believed the United States had instigated the Texas insurrection with the goal of annexation. The Mexican Congress passed the Tornel Decree, declaring that any foreigners fighting against Mexican troops "will be deemed pirates and dealt with as such, being citizens of no nation presently at war with the Republic and fighting under no recognized flag". Only the province of Texas succeeded in breaking with Mexico, establishing the Republic of Texas. It was eventually annexed by the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of San Jacinto</span> Decisive battle of the Texas Revolution

The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, in present-day La Porte and Deer Park, Texas, was the final and decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. Led by General Samuel Houston, the Texan Army engaged and defeated General Antonio López de Santa Anna's Mexican army in a fight that lasted just 18 minutes. A detailed, first-hand account of the battle was written by General Houston from the headquarters of the Texan Army in San Jacinto on April 25, 1836. Numerous secondary analyses and interpretations have followed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Gonzales</span> First military engagement of the Texas Revolution

The Battle of Gonzales was the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution. It was fought near Gonzales, Texas, on October 2, 1835, between rebellious Texian settlers and a detachment of Mexican army soldiers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Runaway Scrape</span> Evacuations of Texian civilians during the Texas Revolution

The Runaway Scrape events took place mainly between September 1835 and April 1836 and were the evacuations by Texas residents fleeing the Mexican Army of Operations during the Texas Revolution, from the Battle of the Alamo through the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. The ad interim government of the new Republic of Texas and much of the civilian population fled eastward ahead of the Mexican forces. The conflict arose after Antonio López de Santa Anna abrogated the 1824 Constitution of Mexico and established martial law in Coahuila y Tejas. The Texians resisted and declared their independence. It was Sam Houston's responsibility, as the appointed commander-in-chief of the Provisional Army of Texas, to recruit and train a military force to defend the population against troops led by Santa Anna.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siege of Béxar</span>

The siege of Béxar was an early campaign of the Texas Revolution in which a volunteer Texian army defeated Mexican forces at San Antonio de Béxar. Texians had become disillusioned with the Mexican government as President and General Antonio López de Santa Anna's tenure became increasingly dictatorial. In early October 1835, Texas settlers gathered in Gonzales to stop Mexican troops from reclaiming a small cannon. The resulting skirmish, known as the Battle of Gonzales, launched the Texas Revolution. Men continued to assemble in Gonzales and soon established the Texian Army. Despite a lack of military training, well-respected local leader General Stephen F. Austin was elected commander.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indiana National Guard</span> Component of the US Military of the State of Indiana

The Indiana National Guard (INNG) is a component of the United States Armed Forces, the United States National Guard and the Military Department of Indiana (MDI). It consists of the Indiana Army National Guard, the Indiana Air National Guard, and the Adjutant General's Office.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas State Guard</span> Military unit

The Texas State Guard (TXSG) is part of the state military force of Texas, and one of three branches of the Texas Military Forces. Along with the other two branches, the TXSG falls under the command of the Governor of Texas and is administered by the Adjutant General of Texas, an appointee of the Governor. The other two branches of the Texas Military Forces are the Texas Army National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas Navy</span> Military branch of the Republic of Texas specialized in naval warfare (1839–1846)

The Texas Navy, officially the Navy of the Republic of Texas, also known as the Second Texas Navy, was the naval warfare branch of the Texas Military Forces during the Republic of Texas. It descended from the Texian Navy, which was established in November 1835 to fight for independence from Centralist Republic of Mexico in the Texas Revolution. The Texas Navy, Texas Army, and Texas Militia were officially established on September 5, 1836 in Article II of the Constitution of the Republic of Texas. The Texas Navy and Texas Army were merged with the United States Armed Forces on February 19, 1846 after the Republic of Texas became the 28th state of the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Army National Guard</span> Land force component of the California National Guard

The California Army National Guard is one of three components of the California National Guard, a reserve of the United States Army, and part of the National Guard of the United States. The California Army National Guard is composed of 18,450 soldiers. Nationwide, the Army National Guard comprises approximately one half of the US Army's available combat forces and approximately one third of its support organization. National coordination of various state National Guard units are maintained through the National Guard Bureau.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas Army National Guard</span> Component of the US Army and military of the U.S. state of Texas

The Texas Army National Guard is a component of the United States Army, the United States National Guard and the Texas Military Forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Immortal 32</span>

The Immortal 32 was a relief force of thirty-two Texian Militia from the Gonzales Ranger Company who reinforced the Texians under siege at the Alamo. They are "immortalized" as the only unit to answer the To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World letter. Along with the other Alamo defenders, they were all killed and burned after the Battle of the Alamo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texian Army</span> Army that fought for the independence of what became the Republic of Texas

The Texian Army, also known as the Revolutionary Army and Army of the People, was the land warfare branch of the Texian armed forces during the Texas Revolution. It spontaneously formed from the Texian Militia in October 1835 following the Battle of Gonzales. Along with the Texian Navy, it helped the Republic of Texas win independence from the Centralist Republic of Mexico on May 14, 1836 at the Treaties of Velasco. Although the Texas Army was officially established by the Consultation of the Republic of Texas on November 13, 1835, it did not replace the Texian Army until after the Battle of San Jacinto.

The 141st Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment in the United States Army. The lineage of the 141st includes units tracing origins to the Texas Revolution, such as Company A, First Texas, 1836, and other infantry companies of the First Texas formed in the 1870s and 1880s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texian Navy</span> Military unit

The Texian Navy, also known as the Revolutionary Navy and First Texas Navy, was the naval warfare branch of the Texian armed forces during the Texas Revolution. It was established by the Consultation of the Republic of Texas on November 25, 1835. Along with the Texian Army, it helped the Republic of Texas win independence from the Centralist Republic of Mexico on May 14, 1836 at the Treaties of Velasco. It was replaced by the Texas Navy on March 23, 1839.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Army of the Republic of Texas</span> Former branch of the Republic of Texas Military (1836–1844)

The Texas Army, officially the Army of the Republic of Texas, was the land warfare branch of the Texas Military Forces during the Republic of Texas. It descended from the Texian Army, which was established in October 1835 to fight for independence from Centralist Republic of Mexico in the Texas Revolution. The Texas Army was provisionally formed by the Consultation in November 1835; however, it did not replace the Texian Army until after the Battle of San Jacinto. The Texas Army, Texas Navy, and Texas Militia were officially established on September 5, 1836, in Article II of the Constitution of the Republic of Texas. The Texas Army and Texas Navy were merged with the United States Armed Forces on February 19, 1846, after the Republic of Texas became the 28th state of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas Military Department</span> Department of the Texas state government

The Texas Military Department (TMD) is an executive branch agency of the Texas government. Along with the Texas Department of Public Safety, it is charged with providing the security of Texas, which has the second largest population, border, and economy in the United States. It also provides administration of the Texas Military Forces (TXMF), the principal instrument through which it executes security policy. TXMF currently include the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard. It formerly included the Texas Rangers, Texas Army, Texas Navy, and Texas Marines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texian Militia</span> 1823–1835 militia of American colonists in Mexican Texas

The Texian Militia was the militia forces of Texian colonists in the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas from 1823 to 1835 and the inaugurate force of the Texas Military. It was established by Stephen F. Austin on August 5, 1823 for defense of the Old Three Hundred colonists against the Karankawa, Comanche, and Cherokee tribes; among others. Its most notable unit, the Texas Rangers, remained in continuous service of Texas Military Forces until 1935.

The Texas Militia are the militia forces of the State of Texas. It currently consists of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard. It is administered by the Texas Military Department under command of the Texas Adjutant General. Since 1846, the Texas Militia constitutes the entirety of the Texas Military Forces.

Texas special operations units of the Texas Military Forces conduct special operations for the Texas Military Department via the Domestic Operations Command (DOMOPS) while under Title 32 command, and via United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) while under Title 10 command.

References

  1. ↑ "Texas Market Pulse". www.colliers.com/. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Texas Military Department Summary of Budget Recommendations" (PDF). Texas LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD. February 6, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Exhibits". Texas Military Forces Museum.
  4. 1 2 "Office of the Adjutant General". Texas Military Department.
  5. ↑ Wooster, Robert (June 15, 2010). "MILITARY HISTORY". TSHA.
  6. ↑ Barker, Eugene C. (June 9, 2010). "AUSTIN, STEPHEN FULLER". TSHA.
  7. ↑ Hlavaty, Craig (July 9, 2019). "The story behind Texas' world-famous 'Come and Take It' flag". Houston Chronicle.
  8. ↑ REIGSTAD, LEIF (October 12, 2016). "The Great Texas "Come And Take It" Controversy". TexasMonthly.
  9. ↑ Burnett, John (October 2, 2016). "For Sale: A Texan Symbol Of Defiance". National Public Radio.
  10. 1 2 Barker, Eugene C. (June 9, 2010). "TEXAS REVOLUTION". TSHA.
  11. ↑ Downing, Bob (June 9, 2016). "Millions of tourists still remember the Alamo". Reading Eagle.
  12. ↑ Hunt, Jeffrey William (June 15, 2010). "TWIN SISTERS". TSHA.
  13. ↑ Procter, Ben H. (June 5, 2010). "TEXAS RANGERS". TSHA.
  14. ↑ McComb, David G (1989). Texas, a Modern History. Austin: University of Texas Press. pp.  72. ISBN   0-292-74665-2.
  15. ↑ Barr, Alwyn (June 15, 2010). "SABINE PASS, BATTLE OF". TSHA.
  16. ↑ Ward, James R. "DOWLING, RICHARD WILLIAM". TSHA.
  17. ↑ Hunt, Jeffrey W (June 15, 2010). "PALMITO RANCH, BATTLE OF". TSHA.
  18. 1 2 3 "December 2016 Biennial Report". Texas Military Department.
  19. ↑ "32 U.S. Code § 109 - Maintenance of other troops". Legal Information Institute. Cornell University Law School.
  20. ↑ "Chapter 437 of the Texas Government Code". Texas Constitution and Statutes. State of Texas.
  21. ↑ "10 U.S. Code § 12406 - National Guard in Federal service: call". Legal Information Institute. Cornell University Law School.
  22. ↑ Foster, Caitlin (February 19, 2019). "These 6 states have National Guard forces that could rival a foreign army". Business Insider .
  23. 1 2 "2017-2018 Texas Military Preparedness Commission Biennial Report" (PDF). Office of the Texas Governor.
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