Texas Military Forces
 |
| Texas Military Forces | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 18 February 1823 |
| Country |  United States |
| Allegiance |  State of Texas |
| Size | 23,200 personnel |
| Garrison/HQ | Building Eight,Camp Mabry,Austin, Texas,U.S. 30°11′03″N97°27′14″E/ 30.1842173°N 97.4538338°E |
| Engagements | List of conflicts involving the Texas Military |
| Commanders | |
| Commander-in-chief | GovernorGreg Abbott |
| Adjutant general | Major GeneralThomas M. Suelzer |
| Joint Staff director | Vacant |
| Executive Director | Shelia Taylor |
| Command Sergeant Major | CSMFrederick M. Heard |
TheTexas Military Forces(TXMF) are the principal instrument through which theTexas Military Department(TMD) executes security policy forTexas,which has the second-largestpopulationandborderin the United States.[1]
The Texas Military Forces have a budget of $1.851 billion as of 2023.[2]Current forces include theTexas Army National Guard,Texas Air National Guard,andTexas State Guardof theTexas Militia.Former forces include theTexian Militia,Texian Army,Texian Navy,Texas Army,Texas Navy,andTexas Marines.It also included theTexas Rangersfrom their inception until 1935.[3]
The Texas Military Forces are administered by the Texas Military Department under command of theadjutant general of Texas,who is appointed by and subordinate to thegovernor of Texas,thecommander-in-chief-in-Texas, and is also subordinate to the President of the United States, the commander-in-chief.[4]
History[edit]
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 theTexian Militiain 1823 (thirteen years before theRepublic of Texasand twenty-two years before theState of Texas) byStephen Austinto defend theOld Three Hundredin theColony of Texas.[6]
Texas Military Forces sparked theTexas Revolutionat theBattle of Velascoand becamelegendaryat theBattle of Gonzales(the "Lexingtonof Texas ").[7][8][9]Their legend continued at their defeat by Mexican forces atSiege of the Alamo,with events such as theImmortal 32andTo the People of Texas & All Americans in the World,which resulted in one of the most notablelast standsin history.[10]As of 2018, theAlamo Missionis the most visited tourist attraction in Texas and one of ten manmadeUNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States.[11]The Texas Military's legend was sealed at theBattle of San Jacinto,when they defeatedSanta Anna'sarmy in 18 minutes, achieving independence from theCentralist Republic of Mexicoand establishing the Republic of Texas, one of three colonies towin independencewithout foreign aid in world history and the onlyAmerican state(theThirteen Colonieswereaidedby France, and theCalifornia RepublicandRepublic of Hawaiiwere aided by the United States).[10]The artillery used during the battle, theTwin Sisters,are considered the "Holy Grailof Texas ".[12]
During the 19th century, theTexas Rangers'service in theTexas-Indians Warsand fightingoutlawssignificantly contributed to thefolkloreof the "Wild West".[13]
During theAmerican Civil War,Texas Military Forces served under the command ofUnionandConfederatemilitaries. When the first units reached Virginia,Jefferson Davisgreeted 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]TheTexas Brigadeachieved distinction as Confederateshock troops,while theDavis Guardsmaintained Texas as the onlyConfederate State,along with Florida, unconquered by theUnionwith their victory atSecond Battle of Sabine Pass.It is referred to as the "Thermopylaeof the Confederacy "and the most one-sided Confederate victory of the war.[15][16]Texas Military Forces also fought at theBattle of Palemito Ranch.[17]
Texas Military Forces have not waged adomestic combat operationsince the 19th century. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, they have been primarily engaged inmilitary operations other than war,includingmanmadeandnaturaldisaster operations,search and rescue operations,counterdrug operations,andborder security operations.Most notably, theMexican 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,andOperation Lone Star.
Under command of theUnited States Department of Defense,Texas Military Forces have served in theMexican War,Spanish War,Philippine War,Mexican Expedition,World War I,World War II,Cold War(KoreaandVietnamcampaigns), andWar on Terror.Since theSeptember 11 attacks,Texas Military units have been deployed for the war on terror more than any other state.[18]
Administration[edit]
Texas Military Forces are administered by the Texas Military Department under command of theAdjutant General of Texas,who is appointed by and subordinate to theGovernor of Texas,theCommander in Chief.[4]
Authority[edit]
Texas Military Forces exist undercivilian control.Since 1903, Texas Military Forces are authorized byTitle 32of the United States Code andArticle 4of 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 toTitle 10of the United States Code, which legally empowers the United States government tomobilizethem when more resources are needed than available in theUnited States Armed Forcesfor war, national emergency, or national security.[21]Under Title 10, operations are conducted under command of theUnited States Department of Defenseby theSecretary of Defense.
Awards and decorations[edit]
Awards and decorations of the Texas Militaryare 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[edit]
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), theU.S.government, theMexicangovernment, and theConfederategovernment.
Capability[edit]
After theUnited States Armed Forces,Texas Military Forces are the most capable, mission-ready forces in the United States.[22][23][18]They includeinfantry,paratroopers,special forces,armored cavalry,field artillery,communication,cyber,intelligence,support,medical,engineering,civil affairs,andweapon of mass destruction responseunits totaling over 23,000 service members. It also maintains a fleet ofmannedandunmannedaircraft withstrike,reconnaissance,andtransportcapabilities, a fleet ofrotorcraft,and a fleet ofriverine watercraft.It maintains a statewide network ofgarrison,training, and monitoring installations. It maintainscommand and controlthrough shelter and mobiletactical operations centers.[23][18]
Units[edit]
Texas Military Forces have undergone many re-designations, reorganizations, and reformations since 1823. Since 1846,Texas Militiaunits constitute the entirety of the Texas Military Forces.
Current forces[edit]
Texas Army National Guard[edit]
The Texas Army National Guard is the currentland warfarebranch 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, the36th 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[edit]
The Texas Air National Guard is the currentair warfarebranch 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 acquiredreapersto be the eyes in the hostile sky.
Texas State Guard[edit]
The Texas State Guard is the currentstate defense forcebranch 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[edit]
Texian Militia[edit]
The Texian Militia was themilitiaforces of theTexianColonyfrom 1823 to 1835 and the inaugurate force of the Texas Military. It was established byStephen F. Austinon August 5, 1823, for defense of theOld Three Hundredcolonists against theKarankawa,Comanche,andCherokeetribes; among others. Its most notable unit, theTexas Rangers,remained in continuous service of Texas Military Forces until 1935.
Texas Rangers[edit]
The Texas Rangers were established as a unit of theTexian Militiain theTexianColony.During theTexas Revolution,it served as a unit of theTexian Armyprovidingcavalryand conductingspecial operationssuch as demolition ofVince's BridgeandImmortal 32relief force. During theRepublic of Texas,it continued to serve as a special forces unit employingguerrilla warfarein theTexas-Indian Wars.
Texian Army[edit]
The Texian Army, also known as the Revolutionary Army and Army of the People, was theland warfarebranch of theTexianarmed forces during theTexas Revolution.It spontaneously formed from theTexian Militiain October 1835 following theBattle of Gonzales.Along with theTexian Navy,it helped theRepublic of Texaswin independence from theCentralist Republic of Mexicoon May 14, 1836, at theTreaties of Velasco.Although theTexas Armywas officially established by theConsultation of the Republic of Texason November 13, 1835, it did not replace the Texian Army until after theBattle of San Jacinto.
[edit]
The Texian Navy, also known as the Revolutionary Navy and First Texas Navy, was thenaval warfarebranch of theTexianarmed forces during theTexas Revolution.It was established by theConsultation of the Republic of Texason November 25, 1835. Along with theTexian Army,it helped theRepublic of Texaswin independence from theCentralist Republic of Mexicoon May 14, 1836, at theTreaties of Velasco.It was replaced by theTexas Navyon March 23, 1839.
Texas Army[edit]
The Texas Army, officially the Army of the Republic of Texas, was theland warfarebranch of the Texas Military Forces during theRepublic of Texas.It descended from theTexian Army,which was established in October 1835 to fight for independence fromCentralist Republic of Mexicoin theTexas Revolution.The Texas Army was provisionally formed by theConsultationin November 1835, however it did not replace the Texian Army until after theBattle of San Jacinto.The Texas Army,Texas Navy,andTexas Militiawere officially established on September 5, 1836, in Article II of theConstitution of the Republic of Texas.The Texas Army and Texas Navy were merged with theUnited States Armed Forceson February 19, 1846, after the Republic of Texas became the28th stateofAmerica.
[edit]
The Texas Navy, officially the Navy of the Republic of Texas, also known as the Second Texas Navy, was thenaval warfarebranch of the Texas Military Forces during theRepublic of Texas.It descended from theTexian Navy,which was established in November 1835 to fight for independence fromCentralist Republic of Mexicoin theTexas Revolution.The Texas Navy,Texas Army,andTexas Militiawere officially established on September 5, 1836, in Article II of theConstitution of the Republic of Texas.The Texas Navy and Texas Army were merged with theUnited States Armed Forceson February 19, 1846, after the Republic of Texas became the28th stateofAmerica.
Texas Marines[edit]
The Texas Marines, officially the Marine Corps of the Republic of Texas, were thenaval infantryof theTexas Navytasked with enforcing discipline aboard ships, providing security atshore stations,sharpshooting,andnaval boarding.It was officially established on January 14, 1836, and modeled after theUnited States Marines Corps.
Texas Militia[edit]
Since 1846, Texas Militia units have constituted the entirety of the Texas Military Forces. Current units are theTexas Army National Guard,Texas Air National Guard,andTexas 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[edit]
Portrayal in media[edit]
- 1945:The Battle of San Pietro,a documentary film based on theBattle of San Pietro.Depicts the36th Infantry Division.
- 1945:A Walk in the Sun,a feature film based on theBattle of Salerno.Depicts the36th Infantry Division.
- 1960:The Alamo,a feature film based on theBattle of the Alamo.DepictsTexas RangersandTexian Army.
- 1993:Gettysburg,a feature film based on theBattle of Gettysburg.Depicts theTexas Brigade.
- 1997:Rough Riders,a feature film based on theBattle of San Juan Hill.Depicts theTexas Rangersserving in the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry.
- 1989:Lonesome Dove,a miniseries based on a fictional plot. Depicts theTexas Rangers.
- 1998:Dead Man's Walk,a miniseries based on theTexan Santa Fe Expedition.Depicts theTexas RangersandTexas Army.
- 2004:The Alamo,a feature film based on theBattle of the Alamo.DepictsTexas RangersandTexian Army.
- 2010:Choctaw Code Talkers:a documentary film based on theChoctaw Code Talkersof the142nd Infantry Regimentduring theBattles of the Meuse–Argonne.
- 2015:Texas Rising,a 10-hour miniseries based on theTexas Revolution.DepictsTexas RangersandTexian Army.
- 2018:The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen( "Empire or Liberty" ), an episode based on theBattle of the Alamo.DepictsTexas RangersandTexian Army.
See also[edit]
- Texas Military Department
- Texas Special Operations Units
- List of conflicts involving the Texas Military
- Awards and decorations of the Texas Military
References[edit]
- ^"Texas Market Pulse".www.colliers.com/.RetrievedApril 4,2023.
- ^"Texas Military Department Summary of Budget Recommendations"(PDF).Texas LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD.February 6, 2023.RetrievedMay 6,2023.
- ^"Exhibits".Texas Military Forces Museum.
- ^ab"Office of the Adjutant General".Texas Military Department.
- ^Wooster, Robert (June 15, 2010)."MILITARY HISTORY".TSHA.
- ^Barker, Eugene C. (June 9, 2010)."AUSTIN, STEPHEN FULLER".TSHA.
- ^Hlavaty, Craig (July 9, 2019)."The story behind Texas' world-famous 'Come and Take It' flag".Houston Chronicle.
- ^REIGSTAD, LEIF (October 12, 2016)."The Great Texas" Come And Take It "Controversy".TexasMonthly.
- ^Burnett, John (October 2, 2016)."For Sale: A Texan Symbol Of Defiance".National Public Radio.
- ^abBarker, Eugene C. (June 9, 2010)."TEXAS REVOLUTION".TSHA.
- ^Downing, Bob (June 9, 2016)."Millions of tourists still remember the Alamo".Reading Eagle.
- ^Hunt, Jeffrey William (June 15, 2010)."TWIN SISTERS".TSHA.
- ^Procter, Ben H. (June 5, 2010)."TEXAS RANGERS".TSHA.
- ^McComb, David G (1989).Texas, a Modern History.Austin: University of Texas Press. pp.72.ISBN0-292-74665-2.
- ^Barr, Alwyn (June 15, 2010)."SABINE PASS, BATTLE OF".TSHA.
- ^Ward, James R."DOWLING, RICHARD WILLIAM".TSHA.
- ^Hunt, Jeffrey W (June 15, 2010)."PALMITO RANCH, BATTLE OF".TSHA.
- ^abc"December 2016 Biennial Report".Texas Military Department.
- ^"32 U.S. Code § 109 - Maintenance of other troops".Legal Information Institute.Cornell University Law School.
- ^"Chapter 437 of the Texas Government Code".Texas Constitution and Statutes.State of Texas.
- ^"10 U.S. Code § 12406 - National Guard in Federal service: call".Legal Information Institute.Cornell University Law School.
- ^Foster, Caitlin (February 19, 2019)."These 6 states have National Guard forces that could rival a foreign army".Business Insider.
- ^ab"2017-2018 Texas Military Preparedness Commission Biennial Report"(PDF).Office of the Texas Governor.
External links[edit]
- Bibliography of Texas Army National Guard Historycompiled by theUnited States Army Center of Military History
- Texas National Guard home page
- Texas Military Forces
