Florida State Guard graduates first class of soldiers since 1947

By Michelle Vecerina

Published Jun. 30, 2023, 4:42 p.m. ET | Updated Jun. 30, 2023

First graduating class of Florida State Guard soldiers since 1947. (Photo/Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The first class of Florida State Guard soldiers in nearly 75 years graduated following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to reestablish the program in 2022.

“I am proud to welcome the first class of Florida State Guard members since 1947,” DeSantis said.

More than 100 soldiers officially completed the training program over the past two weeks, becoming members of the Florida State Guard.

“Even though the federal government has underfunded our National Guard, we are ensuring that we have the manpower needed to respond during emergencies,” DeSantis said. “I’m proud of these men and women who answered the call to take on this important mission. When the need is greatest in their communities, these Guard members will be ready to answer the call.”

DeSantis reestablished the Florida State Guard in 2022, joining 22 other states and territories that sustain state-level defense forces, according to his press release.

Members of the Florida State Guard will assist federal, state, and local government agencies and the Florida National Guard during emergencies.

Florida has one of the most understaffed National Guards in the nation, according to DeSantis’ office. Out of 54 states and territories, the Florida National Guard has the second worst resident-to-guardsman ratio.

DeSantis’ office encouraged Floridians with emergency response, law enforcement or military training to apply to be a part of the Florida State Guard.

Applicants must be able to meet the following requirements:

Florida resident with a valid Florida driver’s license.
Ability to work in a stressful environment.
Willingness to work in a team environment.
Ability to pass a physical.
Ability to participate in annual weekend training.
Ready to be a part of history.

Since 1958, the Florida National Guard has had 12,000 troops while Florida’s population has grown from 5 million people to 22 million people. DeSantis’ office said there is a “clear and present need” for a larger civilian emergency response force due to the state regularly facing natural disasters.