In the late 1990's, Texas Wing saw the need for formal ground search and rescue training. Under the direction of then Major Jarad Wire, the Advanced Training Squadron (ATS), was developed as a special unit of the Texas Wing Summer Encampment. In the Summer of 2004, ATS was transitioned into what we now know as Ground Search and Rescue Specialty School, or GSARSS.

Now in it's eighth year, GSARSS has trained and qualified over 200 cadets and senior members in ground team operations. In 2005, Advanced GSARSS was introduced, allowing students to train as ground team leaders. It also brought the opportunity for qualification as a National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) SAR Technician. To date, GSARSS has qualified over 30 Technicians. In Summer 2008, Texas Wing formed the Lonestar Emergency Services Academy (LESA), to cover all aspects of Emergency Services. It was decided that Basic and Advanced GSARSS should serve as the ground training sector of LESA instead of as a component of the Basic Encampment. It proved to be a tremendous success, and we look forward to continued success in the Summer of 2011.

The inaugural GSARSS class, Summer 2004.