Veterans Resign from Florida State Guard Amid Concerns of Militaristic Training
Veterans and recruits have quit Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' Florida State Guard after the training program veered towards a more militaristic approach, contrary to its original nonmilitary mission of assisting Floridians during emergencies. The State Guard, which was revived by DeSantis in 2021, has faced leadership changes and a lack of a defined mission. Some recruits reported abusive treatment by Florida National Guard instructors, including a disabled retired Marine Corps captain who was forcibly shoved into a van after questioning the program. The State Guard's first training class graduated with only 120 recruits, far below the approved 1,500 members.