Get your CHL for FREE

[Paladin]

Want a free CHL?

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.

[speedsix]

...they're practicin' age discrimination...I'm too old...reckon if I got y'all to all sign attesting to my mental age they'd take me??? No...then I'd be too young...

...heck of a deal...can it be federalized under ANY circumstances???

[atxtj]

I already got my veteran discount, but free renewal would be nice, do they have 19k?

[MasterOfNone]

I already got my veteran discount, but free renewal would be nice, do they have 19k?

No 19K - it's all civil affairs. But you can go to Austin and get nostalgic with the tanks at the museum.

[JP171]

...they're practicin' age discrimination...I'm too old...reckon if I got y'all to all sign attesting to my mental age they'd take me??? No...then I'd be too young...

...heck of a deal...can it be federalized under ANY circumstances???

acually yes it can under very limited circumstances and then we fall under FEMA and DOD

[atxtj]

"civil affairs" is a pretty broad term, what is the role of the Texas guard? Not really much info on the website, I assume there is no field units?

[Paladin]

...they're practicin' age discrimination...I'm too old...reckon if I got y'all to all sign attesting to my mental age they'd take me??? No...then I'd be too young...

...heck of a deal...can it be federalized under ANY circumstances???

acually yes it can under very limited circumstances and then we fall under FEMA and DOD

The state defense forces 'may not be called, ordered, or drafted into the armed forces.', but "...the President may, upon the request of its legislature
or of its governor if the legislature cannot be convened, call into Federal service such of the militia of the other States..." link per USC and the Constitution.

[Paladin]

"civil affairs" is a pretty broad term, what is the role of the Texas guard? Not really much info on the website, I assume there is no field units?

In recent years the TXSG has been called to active duty for nine hurricanes (Katrina, Rita, Dean, Humberto, Dolly, Eduard, Gustav, Ike, and Alex), the Eagle Pass tornado in 2007, and severe flooding in Marble Falls in 2007.

There's more info on the components and operations of the Texas State Guard here

[sugar land dave]

Those uniforms could be expensive.....

[croc870]

The Guard regularly gives free chl classes open to all Texaa Military Forces members.

[Paladin]

Those uniforms could be expensive.....

But tax deductible...

[discoqueen]

The Guard regularly gives free chl classes open to all Texaa Military Forces members.

Would that include Texas National Guard?

[MasterOfNone]

The Guard regularly gives free chl classes open to all Texaa Military Forces members.

Would that include Texas National Guard?

They are open to all TXMF, including TXSG, National Guard, and Air National Guard. Classes in the DFW area:

8 April 2012 - Dallas, TX area
22 April 2012 - Dallas, TX area
13 May 2012 - Dallas, TX area
27 May 2012 - Dallas, TX area

[discoqueen]

Thank you for your reply, Master of None! We have a few years to go, but I was wondering if my daughter could go this route when she is old enough.

[Paladin]

I should also mention that handgun training/qualification is part of State Guard training. There is a short video about TXSG Pistol Qualification here

The State Guard also competes in TXMF Marksmanship Competitions, and has had a good showing there:

19th Regiment Wins Marksmanship Competition