204th Infantry Battalion

LTC Windle Ray Causey, Commander

CSM Larry Bolden, Command Sergeant Major

Clarksville, Tennessee

  Telephone:  931-721-2080

What is the Tennessee State Guard?

   Simply put, the Tennessee State Guard is to the Tennessee National Guard what our National Guard is to the United States Army.
   It is an all volunteer organization that is part of the Tennessee Military Department. It has no federal mission, being responsible only to the governor of our state and the orders of the Adjutant General of Tennessee.
   Since all of our National Guard units are now affiliated with regular forces, a call up by the president of any and all of our National Guard would leave the governor with no military force at his or her disposal, either in a specific area of the state or state wide.
   The mission of the Tennessee State Guard would be to replace these units, become custodians of vacated armories, military facilities, and equipment left behind by departing National Guard units.
   In addition, the Tennessee State Guard responds to any call by the governor for emergency state duty in the same manner the National Guard does. State emergency duty would serve to protect lives and property of our citizens in the event of natural disasters, man-made disasters, civil disturbances and maintenance of law and order. The Tennessee State Guard may also be used to augment the National Guard forces.
 

HEADQUARTERS CONTACT:
Headquarters, Tennessee State Guard
P.O. Box 41502
Nashville, TN 37204-1502
(615) 532-3288

or E-mail


Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Membership in the Tennessee State Guard

Question: Who can join the Tennessee State Guard?
Answer: Any residing citizen, male or female, over 18 years of age. The only restrictions are members of active or reserve components of U.S. military forces. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony would also be excluded.

Question: What obligation in time would I be expected to give?
Answer: Drills (meetings) are generally held monthly. These drills are used as training sessions and also to coordinate activities and usually last two hours. Your particular assignment in your unit may require a few additional "home work" hours to organize your section or staff and recruit. This additional work is done at your leisure.

Question: Will I be paid for my time and out of pocket expenses?
Answer: Only if you are called to duty by the governor. As to any expense being reimbursable, only if prior approval is given by your brigade commander or Tennessee State Guard commander.

Question: What uniform will I wear?
Answer: Under National Guard regulations you will wear standard army green or camouflaged uniforms with distinctive State insignia and name tags designating you as a member of the Tennessee State Guard.

Question: Does the Tennessee State Guard furnish uniforms?
Answer: No, not at this time. Officers and enlisted members are required to purchase their dress green and camouflaged uniforms and accessories.

Question: How will my rank be determined?
Answer: Prior service officers and enlisted personnel will be evaluated and assigned rank on a basis of prior service, education, civilian occupation and other factors.

Question: Am I required to pass a physical exam?
Answer: No. Individuals with medical problems or handicaps will be utilized to the extent of their ability.

Question: What other obligations do I have?
Answer: You will take an induction oath when you join the Tennessee State Guard. You will be expected to live up to that oath. You are expected to make your drills or if you cannot, due to personal reasons, call your commander and explain your situation. Repeated absences without permission will result in your discharge.
You must wear your uniform properly and only when attending meetings of the Tennessee State Guard functions. All rules of military courtesy will be observed while in uniform.

Question: Considering the fact that I'm not going to be paid, I must buy my uniform, and there is some work involved, why should I join the Tennessee State Guard?
Answer: For the same reason that successful business people join civic clubs. They pay dues, contribute their time and talents for the benefit of their community.

The Tennessee State Guard is a public service for the people of Tennessee and requires an obligation on the part of its members to train as soldiers for the time we will be needed. You will serve with people who are patriotic and have a knowing respect for military preparedness. You will be carrying on a tradition of volunteer military service dating back to the creation of our state. Last, but most challenging, you have an opportunity to utilize the training you have had in the military and civilian life to develop and help build the cadre of the Tennessee State Guard.

Question: Will membership in the Tennessee State Guard prevent me being called to active service in the event of a draft?
Answer: No. Your service in the Tennessee State Guard is a state function and will not prevent you being called for federal service.