With the escalating standoff between Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and President Joe Biden over border security, a call for volunteers issued by the Lone Star state’s military has some added momentum.
The Texas Military Department touted “new full-time positions “for service members in the border mission dubbed “Operation Lone Star,” according to its website.
Committed to keeping the Texas/Mexico border secure. pic.twitter.com/Na7XOp6c6X
— Texas Military Dept. (@TXMilitary) January 24, 2024
“Operation Lone Star integrates TMD with the Texas Department of Public Safety to deploy border security assets to high-threat areas to deny criminal organizations the ability to illegally move drugs and people into Texas,” the site explains.
“The Texas Military Department has new full-time positions available for the Operation Lone Star border support mission,” the department said in the undated page.
“These positions offer an array of benefits including lodging and per diem of $55 per day. Volunteers must be medically and administratively deployable and military members of the Texas Military Department,” the notice reads.
BREAKING REPORT: ⚠️ Texas Military NOW ACTIVELY RECRUTING members to JOIN THE BORDER MISSION “Operation Lone Star.”
Operation Lone Star integrates TMD with the Texas Department of Public Safety to deploy border security assets to high threat areas to DENY CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS… https://t.co/eAsVB1Uq3L pic.twitter.com/CVLIQvPR2b
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) January 26, 2024
One social media user on X identified himself as a Texas Guardsmen and clarified that Operation Lone Star “has been a thing for a few years now,” predating the current impasse as the Biden administration threatens Abbott over removing razor wire fencing along the Rio Grande.
TX Guardsman here,
OLS has been a thing for a few years now. They’ve been actively seeking people to enlist for awhile. The Texas State Guard is also actively recruiting.
3 options lay before y’all. The Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard or Texas State Guard.
— Angry Texian (@AngryTexian) January 26, 2024
A volunteer form is available on the site for service members interested in joining the effort.
Abbott released a video last year touting his state’s efforts to combat the border crisis wrought by President Joe Biden’s failed policies.
“The Texas Military Department continues to hold the line in Shelby Park to deter and prevent unlawful entry into the State of Texas,” the department posted on X earlier this week.
“We remain resolute in our actions to secure our border, preserve the rule of law, and protect the sovereignty of our State,” the post reads.
EAGLE PASS, Texas — Operation Lone Star works hard to detect and deter illegal migration through the Texas/Mexico border. pic.twitter.com/HsNh8UyxWH
— Texas Military Dept. (@TXMilitary) January 26, 2024
Regardless of when the recruitment call went out, users on X were thrilled with the idea of volunteers helping hold the line in Texas. But, as noted, the call was directed at active duty service members.
Civilians are not able to volunteer for operation lonestar, it is for state active duty only. Civilians can apply for Operation Border Star and Drawbridge programs. There are currently 22 positions open@ChuckCallesto please share this info!https://t.co/AW9kFrcDih
— TheRealJoshWhite (@RealJoshWhite1) January 26, 2024
But that did not dampen the enthusiasm online:
Texas is putting together an army of its own to defend the border.
This is great news.
I think many Democrat-led states are secretly glad Texas is doing this.
No one wants to be dealing with the mobs of illegals pouring in — not even the sanctuary cities.
— Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) January 26, 2024
I think the states who are supporting TX should chip in and increase the per diem of $55/ day. After all, these volunteers will be serving our country in stopping the biggest invasion in our history!
— Christy Daou (@Christydaou22) January 26, 2024
Awesome! Awesome! awesome!!!! Wish I was 35 years old instead of 73. Would be there
— SallySays (@roobiescoobie) January 26, 2024
Dear Governor Abbott: outstanding. Now open it up to ALL VETERANS.
WE WILL COME.— AK 49 (@AK49USA) January 26, 2024
Headed Home I’m Signing Up Long Live Texas
— Uncle TY (@BlackPatriot73) January 26, 2024
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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