It was common for TST troops to be mustered into Confederate service for 6 month tours of duty. For example, Pvt. William Seamans, who served in a home guard unit in the 2nd Texas Brigade was called into service from Nov. 1861 to April 1862 for the purpose of building fortifications and defending "the southeast coast" (meaning Galveston). He was mustered into the Confederate Army again in August 1863.

These soldiers and their widows were eligible for a Confederate pension. Later, the law was changed to include Texas State Troops who served during the War of Northern Aggression even if they were never mustered into the CSA.