Free Texas Concealed Handgun License

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The best kept secret in Texas is the Texas State Guard. The Texas State Guard is the oldest of the three branches of the Military Forces of the State of Texas. The citizen soldiers that make up the State Guard report to the Governor of Texas and provide defense support of civil authorities in response to natural or man-made disasters. These citizen soldiers are Texans helping Texans, with No overseas deployment.

The benefits of the State Guard include receiving your CHL for FREE as you will be active military, getting the opportunity to provide hands-on disaster relief to fellow Texans, the opportunity serve honorably in the Texas Military, and of course the regular training that accompanies military service.

Other benefits include:
*Active Military Pay when Activated by Governor
*Discounts at many civilian stores, eating establishments, and entertainment facilities
*Free Texas Super Combo Hunting and Fishing License
*Job Protection When Called to Duty
*Line of Duty Investigations, Medical Care, Disability Compensation, and Death Benefits
*Paid Military Leave (for State Employees)
*Tax-free Shopping Privileges at Texas Military Exchanges (PX, BX)
*Texas Guard License Plate
*Travel Allowances when Activated by Governor
*State Tuition Reimbursement

Enlistment Requirements are:
*Resident of Texas or enrolled student
*Age 17 to 60
*Reasonable Good Health
*Pass criminal background check
*Valid Texas Drivers License
*Prior Military Service NOT required
*If Prior Military Service - Honorable discharge required
*No educational requirement for enlistment
*Helpful skill sets: JAG/Military experienced Attorneys, Rescue, Medical [Doctors, Nurses, Dentist, Dental Asst., Paramedics, EMT], Civil Affairs, Chaplain, Communications, IT, CPA, Education, Historian
*Educational and age requirements exist for officer commissioning
*Federal Service retirement NOT affected

If you would like to take part in this proud tradition of service to Texas, or are just interested in learning more, click on GO TXSG to contact a recruiter and find a unit near you.

Already there....in the TXSG US Army MARS detachment.

The free hunting and fishing license is really nice.

What are the commitments as far as time during "off call"? I ask because I want to join but I am not sure if it works out with my pharmacy school schedule

I filled out the request to be contacted by a recruiter.

+1

Would like to know what is required for training also.

Nick

I did two

One weekend a month, usually a Saturday only, but sometimes all weekend... plus 3-4 days annual training (long weekend)

Basic Orientation Training is one (2-day) weekend a month, for three months

Nice way to serve our state in the time of need. Texas rocks!

I have sent a request for more information.

Is there any shooting?

Very nice. I wanted to apply to the Texas National Guard, but was over the age limit. I'm 42.
This works.

Yes. Annual Pistol Qualification plus TXMF Pistol and Rifle Competitions. QRT units also do rifle qualification

Are the recruiters ARMY, or are they Texas Guard?

How long does it take for them to contact usually?

They are TXSG. "Big Army" nor NG has any hand in any of the process.
Because recruiters dont just do recruiting and have full time jobs elsewhere like the rest of us, youll likley get a response within a day or two depending- and sometimes that very evening.

But, to be clear, the Texas State Guard deploys as an unarmed unit with the provision that they are able to be armed under the direction of the CinC (the Governor of Texas). Because we play a Civil Affairs role in support with local, state, and sometimes federal entities- the chances of lawfull orders to be armed are slim to none.

We run shelter operations, Wide Area Damage Assesment, emergency food/provisions distribution points, and assist civillian authorities as required- not combat missions.

There is, however, number of FEMA courses that must be completed on your own time. Many units will not let you deply without having those courses. Because we serve primarily in disaster situations, we use NRF Framework and FEMA guideliens as our core curriculum as we often end up working alongside others who use the same training material.
Extra duties taken on including Color Guard, Recruiting, Public Affairs, and working in the S shop do require use of your own time outside of your normally scheduled drill days.

Finally:

Id like to say that the little perks we enjoy are nice- and im sure many of you were drawn into this thread given the title.

That being said, and in the most honest and helpful way that I can possibly mean it...If you are looking to join the TXSG with an attitude of "what's in it for me" your knocking at the wrong door. While the state does its best to incentivize its TMF members, it does not have the deep pockets that Uncle Sam sports. Ive been in for almost 3 years. Even if I took ALL of the incentives offered- there is no way it would cover the out of pocket or the time spent doing TXSG related matters. This is truly a service where your in it to give back to the State of Texas and its citizens. You arent going to serve in a line combat unit, this isnt a get rich or pay your bills kind of thing.

But...the people that ive served alongside have become truly- a second family to me. Ive learned things that I never would have elsewhere and gotten to do things that few people have. Perhaps its because ive always been the volunteer type, but when I heard about the TXSG I had to join up. To those wondering and a little on the fence let me put it to you how my recruiter told me: "it does me no good to BS you because unlike full time recruiters, ill be standing next to you at the next drill. I gain nothing by signing you up, shipping you off, and collecting some sort of bonus"

So if after reading this and talking with a recruiter your interested I urge you to sign up. Youll meet some of the finest citizens of Texas that youll ever hope to.

Excellent comments ex_dsmr!

I ran the IL state medical team before moving here, it's very similar to what we did up there, although our uniforms were a little more relaxed and a couple of us did some secret squirrel things as well.

Can you be both TXARNG and TXSG at the same time?

You cannot. Regarding current or former military service you must:

- Not currently be a member of any US (or foreign for that matter) armed service- that includes NG units.
- Iinclude your seperation papers (your recruiter will tell you more) and you MUST have been honorably discharged. No "other than honorable" or "dishonorable" discharges will be accepted.

Maybe Ill do it after I retire then, only 7 years to go!

I received a reply from the Command Master Chief of the Maritime Regiment.

A recruiter should be contacting me in the next few days!!


For those of you in the Guard already, I have a question.

What do I need to have ready for them? Do I give them my resume and education basically?

Thanks!

Let them tell you / give you what you need.

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