DeSantis hiring Florida State Guard director, reviving force

The Florida State Guard is now accepting purposes.

The Governor’s Workplace on Tuesday promoted two listings — one inviting Floridians to affix the 400-man volunteer power, one other looking for one individual to steer it.

“In the event you love the state of Florida, have a need to assist your neighborhood, and have abilities useful to guard the state from a catastrophe, we encourage you to use to affix the FLSG,” says a information launch.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced plans final 12 months to revive the power after a long time of dormancy. The state guard, he says, will help the Florida Nationwide Guard throughout pure disasters and different states of emergency.

Recognition:Florida Nationwide Guard Appreciation Day held at Florida Capitol

Elevating doubts:Florida wants its personal military?

Florida’s militia?:Do you’ve gotten what it takes to be a volunteer in Gov. DeSantis’ private militia? | Frank Cerabino

The 2 teams, although considerably comparable, are uniquely completely different.

The Florida Nationwide Guard accepts federal {dollars} and mobilizes on federal missions, such because the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The state guard, in the meantime, will serve in Florida alone and go with out federal assist.

Florida is amongst 23 different states with a state guard, in response to the Governor’s Workplace. Florida additionally ranks among the many most disaster-prone states within the nation.

“Defend Florida, defend freedom,” says a promotional flyer included within the information launch.

DeSantis’ plan to resurrect the power was met with sharp criticism by the state’s main Democrats.

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried — a Democratic gubernatorial contender — blasted DeSantis as a “authoritarian dictator” and described the hassle as “alarming” and “scary.”

“Thousands and thousands of Floridians know what it is wish to dwell below regimes like this — and got here to our state to flee them,” Fried tweeted. “This should be stopped.”

Democratic Congressman and gubernatorial contender Charlie Crist, in the meantime, slammed it because the governor’s “hand-picked secret police.”

Pandemic shines gentle on query:Have we let our Guard down in Florida?

The Florida State Guard originated as a World Conflict II-era paramilitary power, although it was disbanded within the late Forties. Members on the time crammed in for Florida Guardsmen who mobilized overseas amid the conflict effort.

Floridians interested by becoming a member of the power should go a medical examination, drug take a look at and background examine. They have to even be between the ages of 18 and 60. In contrast to the Florida Nationwide Guard, there isn’t a posted COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The director, in the meantime, will oversee power recruitment and operations. In keeping with the posting, candidates want a Bachelor’s Diploma and ideally boast a navy or emergency administration background. The part-time place can pay a $400 to $500 every day stipend.

“All Florida State Guard will full 2 coaching days per thirty days for 10 months and a 15-day coaching interval,” the posting notes. State lawmakers within the 2022 Legislative Session supplied $10 million to fund the statewide power.

Jason Delgado is a reporter for the USA As we speak Community-Florida. He is based mostly in Tallahassee. Attain him at JDelgado@gannett.com