First Troops Graduate For DeSantis’s “Private Army”

July 2, 2023 Politics, Republicans

Jacksonville’s CBS affiliate reports:

The first official class of the newly established Florida State Guard graduated from boot camp at Camp Blanding Friday morning. A total of 120 men and women earned their patches and certificate of completion, joining the ranks of the Florida State Guard in the first graduation ceremony.

Among them, guardsman and State Representative Tom Fabricio (R-Miami), who not only co-sponsored the legislation reestablishing the state guard, but signed up to serve himself. A civil attorney by trade, Fabricio described the training as intense.

“A lot of running, pushups, leadership training, practical training, water rescue training, land navigation. Elements that you would see in a traditional Army-type boot camp,” said Fabricio.

Florida Politics reports:

The proposal to fund a state guard has proven to be controversial. The ACLU Florida called it a step toward a police state, as troops have arresting power. “It is an unprecedented and terrifying abuse of power by the Governor,” said Kara Gross, ACLU Florida legislative director, last year.

But DeSantis argued the force is needed in a state exposed to natural disasters like hurricanes. The Governor’s office also encouraged more individuals to enlist.

To do so, individuals must have a valid Florida driver’s license and pass a physical. Commitments include annual weekend training. Individuals are encouraged to sign up if they can work in a stressful team environment and are “ready to be a part of history.”

DeSantis requested $100 million for the new force. The state’s GOP supermajority gave him $104 million for training, salaries, weapons, helicopters, and boats. That’s just for the first year.



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