StateDefenseForce.com Chooses Not to Endorse Florida State Guard, Citing Crucial Factors

The Florida State Guard (State Defense Force) was first established in 1941 due to the outbreak of World War 2. Their mission was to support and assist The National Guard, and then to assume their military duties when they were deployed overseas to fight The Axis Powers during the war. Following the conclusion of World War 2 and the return of The National Guard the State Guard was disbanded in 1947. However, a recent demand to enhance Florida’s disaster response capabilities has brought forth the re-establishment of The Florida State Guard. Bearing one of the lowest ratios of National Guard members to residents across the United States, the state’s legislators have taken initiative, funding the State Guard’s reestablishment.

However following the announcement of its reinstatement, the Florida State Guard has been subject to significant controversy. Central to the debate is its categorization as a civilian force, a distinction setting it apart from its original 1941 designation as a military force. State Defense Forces nationwide are established per Federal law 32 U.S.C. s.109 which designates State Defense Forces as part of The State Military Forces. Unlike the Florida Army National Guard and Air National Guard, the Florida State Guard does not operate within a military rank structure. This divergence is further underscored by the operational oversight of the Guard, which does not conform to the traditional military command. It is not under the authority of the Adjutant General of Florida  (Senior National Guard General) nor is it supervised by the Florida Department of Military Affairs. These departures from customary military practice have stirred intense discourse and critique, thereby spotlighting the contentious nature of the Florida State Guard’s reinstatement.

The classification of the Florida State Guard as a volunteer organization will give rise to numerous challenges concerning security and discipline. State Defense Forces across the country adhere to their respective States’ Military Laws and Regulations for a specific purpose. Consequently, when a National Guard Officer or Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) issues an order to a Soldier in the State Defense Force (SDF), the individual is legally obligated to comply. Failure to do so, such as abandoning their post or leaving their duty station, would result in their arrest and subsequent sentencing under military law. This adherence to military law is of utmost importance as SDF troops may receive assignments that would put them responsible to directly safeguard human lives as well as supplies and state facilities.

The Florida State Guard as civilian agency also brings forth significant concerns and potential drawbacks in the realm of disaster management. One key drawback lies in the fact that civilian volunteers have the freedom to abandon their posts at will. During times of crisis, such as natural disasters, having a fluctuating number of volunteers at all times can create turbulence and instability in disaster response efforts. The ability of civilian volunteers to opt out of their duties raises the risk of inadequate manpower and resources at critical moments, potentially endangering human lives and exacerbating the impact of the disaster. In contrast, a military organization operates on a structured system where troops are bound by military law and regulation, ensuring a consistent number of trained personnel available for missions. This stability and reliability are crucial in managing disasters effectively and maintaining a cohesive response effort.

During the basic training phase for the nascent Florida State Guard, a substantial number of recruits opted to withdraw. Initially believing they were enlisting in a conventional military force, the recruits were confronted with the reality that the State Guard is a civilian force. Because it does not uphold a military rank structure and is not governed by Florida Military Law & Regulation, it has lead to a wave of departures among the recruits upon the revelation of these distinct characteristics.

StateDefenseForce.com recently conducted a comprehensive poll to gauge public sentiment within The State Defense Force community regarding the Florida State Guard, specifically its structure. The poll incorporated a thorough review of the legislative framework that led to the Guard’s establishment. Informed by these findings, poll participants were asked to articulate their perception of the Florida State Guard and their inclination to enlist in the force. The question framed was:

“Given this information, how do you perceive the Florida State Guard, and would you consider joining it?” The options provided were:

1. As a civilian organization, but I would not join it.

2. As a civilian organization but I would join it

3. As a military organization.

The majority of respondents, approximately 70%, viewed the Florida State Guard as a civilian organization and would not consider joining it.

The purpose of every State Defense Force is to support, assist and augment The National Guard, and during wartime to assume the duties of The National Guard when they are deployed overseas.  This new role of The Florida State Guard seems to contradict that mission. Based on this and its division from The Florida Department of Military Affairs we dont see a future where The Florida State Guard would be able to work hand in hand with The National Guard, providing the support and assistance it was designed to provide.

After extended contemplation and numerous failed attempts to establish communication with the Public Affairs Office of the Florida State Guard, StateDefenseForce.com has resolved not to endorse, list, or report on the Florida State Guard. This decision stems from several crucial factors that have emerged from our analysis. Any mention of The Florida State Guard within our website will be removed.

Until The Florida State Guard aligns with that of other State Defense Forces such as The California State Guard, Texas State Guard, etc. by adhering to The States Military Law & Regulation, implementing a rank structure, and being under the direction and authority of The Adjutant General & Department of Military Affairs we will encourage our community to not join the organization.

Sources: To protect our sources identities we are not listing them