This week, the Florida State Guard (FSG) completed its first annual training since Governor DeSantis reactivated the agency in June 2022. During the 14-day mission rehearsal exercise, soldiers underwent rigorous simulations to test their emergency response proficiencies in the aftermath of a catastrophic hurricane with multi-county impacts.
After officially launching four operational units, the FSG exercised new ground, maritime, and aviation capabilities during the activation of over 300 personnel.
"Compared to last year, we have demonstrated significant growth in capability and capacity. In less than eight months we recruited and graduated over 200 new Soldiers, conducted three advanced training periods, expanded our partnerships with state and local agencies, developed four cross-functional units, and procured high-demand assets to best support current and future mission sets,” said FSG Executive Director Mark Thieme. “To meet the needs of Floridians, we will continue to accelerate training and achieve major milestones. This annual capstone exercise tested our ability to sustain concurrent operations across multiple counties, synchronize with external partners, and confirmed our preparedness for the upcoming hurricane season."
The Crisis Response Battalion (CRB), the FSG's largest unit, focused on land-based operations. During the training, soldiers operated Points of Distribution (POD) sites, coordinated logistics for critical supplies, and provided humanitarian aid in collaboration with the Aviation Response Squadron (ARS) and the Maritime Response Squadron (MRS).
The ARS reinforced response efforts through aerial damage assessments, search and rescue operations, and extended emergency response capabilities through deploying mobile incident command vehicles and unmanned aerial systems.
In a display of interagency coordination, the MRS partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). Members exercised inland and near-shore nautical skills including basic vessel operations, search and rescue missions, and waterway reconnaissance.
“As we enter what is predicted to be a busy hurricane season," said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. "FWC is committed to working collaboratively with our partner agencies to provide solution-oriented support. Training for natural disasters and being prepared for deployment at a moment's notice is paramount. We're honored to partner with agencies like the Florida State Guard to ensure that Floridians receive the swiftest and timeliest response possible."
The Special Missions Unit (SMU) is conducting a sequence of water survival courses, aviation support training sessions, and public safety exercises to increase readiness in search-and-rescue capabilities as well as medical evacuation procedures. This includes a series of training events in July and August aimed at maintaining proficiency during peak hurricane season.
The FSG continues accepting applications for its upcoming August Initial Entry Training cycle. Eligible Floridians interested in serving are encouraged to apply at www.floridastateguard.org/forged. Individuals with credentials or experience in aviation or maritime operations, information technology data analysis or front-line medical care are highly desired.
With roots dating back to WWII but reactivated in 2022 as a state-supported volunteer force providing rapid emergency response services across various domains including aviation maritime land-based operations; Florida State Guard remains committed towards protecting life property from all threats public safety-related concerns.
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