The Florida State Guard is aiming to bolster its capabilities, seeking legislative approval to add medics and expand its aviation resources.
State Guard Executive Director Mark Thieme addressed the House Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee on Wednesday, outlining the need for designated medics within the Guard.
“At the present time, as we deploy our soldiers into these very austere environments, we lack any organic medical expertise,” Thieme explained. While the State Guard has medical professionals within its reserve ranks, it currently lacks the authority to utilize them in local communities.
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Governor Ron DeSantis revived the State Guard in 2022 to support the Florida National Guard during emergencies. Last year, DeSantis also deployed State Guard members to Texas to assist with border operations. With the incoming presidential administration’s focus on immigration enforcement, the State Guard may also play a role in those efforts within Florida.
Thieme anticipates the State Guard will reach 1,000 members by June 30th, the end of the current fiscal year, and 1,200 members by the end of the calendar year. The Guard is seeking further expansion, including additional aviation and maritime capabilities.
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“The capability areas that we are asking for in aviation and maritime will enable us to fully realize the vision of the governor for what the Florida State Guard is designed to do, working alongside other state agencies,” Thieme told the House committee.
Currently, the State Guard utilizes two demilitarized Black Hawk helicopters for civilian use and a King Air plane for long-range missions. They are exploring the addition of more helicopters and planes to enhance their operational capabilities.
The State Guard will present its budget request for the upcoming legislative session, which begins on March 4th. This request will include funding for the expansion of medical and aviation resources.
The Florida State Guard, originally established during World War II, was reactivated in 2022 to bolster the state’s emergency response capabilities. This latest push for expansion reflects the growing role of the State Guard in supporting various state agencies and responding to emergencies, including potential deployments related to immigration enforcement.
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