The Florida National Guard (FLNG) is a group of mostly part-time military members. It is made up of local citizens (our family, friends, and neighbors) who undergo monthly and annual training to serve in state and national emergencies. They generally work full-time civilian jobs, and serve in the National Guard one weekend a month, two weeks a year, and during unit deployments or activations. The FLNG is one of 54 units in the nation. Each state, as well as the territories of Guam, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia has its own National Guard unit.
The Florida National Guard has its roots in the early militias that assembled during the formation of our nation. In fact, Florida boasts the earliest “first muster” of citizen soldiers, dated September 16, 1565. At that time, Spanish explorer and admiral, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, had established a settlement in St. Augustine, Florida. As French forces threatened, Menedez tasked the citizens with defending persons and property while he and his soldiers left for battle.
Today’s “citizen soldiers” serve in one of two military branches: the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard. Both branches serve two missions: state and federal. During state emergencies, like storms, fires, floods, etc, Guard members are activated by the governor to help rebuild communities, distribute food and water, and provide rescue and medical services. During federal deployments, National Guard members are called by the Secretary of Defense to serve side-by-side with their active duty partners around the globe. While federally funded, the Florida National Guard is organized and controlled by the state.
The Florida National Guard falls under the Florida Department of Military Affairs. It is led by an Adjutant General, and recognizes the Governor as their commander-in-chief, except for when they are called to federal service.
When you join the National Guard, your length of service depends on the branch you join, and the requirements for your specific job. Some members join and serve part-time for their whole military career, while others join after having served on Active Duty. Each member undergoes training “drills” one weekend a month, and at least two weeks a year.
What is the Florida Army National Guard?
The mission of FLNG soldiers is to protect us and keep us safe. They are called into action (or, “activated”) for state emergencies, like hurricanes or pandemics, and deployed around the globe to help with Active Duty missions. FLNG Army soldiers serve in one of four major commands: the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team; the 50th Regional Support Group; the 83rd Troop Command; and the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. Cumulatively, the Army National Guard provides almost half of the United States Army combat units. It also contains experts in communications, engineering, logistics, security, medicine, among other disciplines.
What is the Florida Air National Guard?
Like FLNG soldiers, the mission of FLNG airmen is to protect us and keep us safe. They are called into action (or, “activated”) for state emergencies, like hurricanes or pandemics, and deployed around the globe to help with Active Duty missions. FLNG airmen serve as part of 125th Fighter Wing, which includes Detachment 1, Detachment 2, and the 101st Air and Space Operations Group. Cumulatively, the Air National Guard provides almost half of the United States Air Force tactical airlift support, combat communications functions, aeromedical evacuations and aerial refueling. It also has total responsibility for air defense of the entire United States.