It exists to enforce all the extra restrictions in the Free State of Florida. Asking questions is not against the law per se, but definitely frowned upon.
There is a paywalled article in the Miami Herald today about it apparently becoming like a militia, which is driving away some of the folks who signed up for it. I couldn't read the article due to the paywall. EDIT: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article277245833.html
“The program got hijacked and turned into something that we were trying to stay away from: a militia,” said Brian Newhouse, a retired 20-year Navy veteran who was chosen to leadone of the State Guard’s three divisions.”
I think that's the article I read today before I started this thread. It paints a possibly scary picture of this group. Military training, expansion of duties including police - type ones, etc.
Most states have an organization like this that serves as an auxiliary to its National Guard but unlike the National Guard does not receive federal funding and is not strictly bound by federal rules and regulations. California, which I just left for school, has a State Guard and even a “naval militia,” though I have no idea in practice what the latter does. The former mostly augments the National Guard in state emergencies. California State Guard – Ready to Respond
twenty two states plus Puerto Rico have active organizations like state guards and most states have laws that authorize state defense forces. It looks like Florida's State Guard might be used for riot control and things like that. I don't think it's a good idea. This seems like a really Nazi-ish type of organization to me.
I imagine they will be out in force at election time. You know, just welcoming diverse groups to exercise their right to vote.
'The program got hijacked': Vets revolt over DeSantis' 'militaristic' State Guard' "Over 30 days in June, teenagers out of high school and retired military veterans came to Camp Blanding, the National Guard base near Jacksonville. Many were told they would volunteer for a revived State Guard with a non-military mission: help Floridians in times of need or disaster," reported Lawrence Mower, Emma Rose Brown, and Ana Ceballos. However, when they arrived, "the state’s National Guard trained the volunteers for combat. Khakis and polos were replaced by camouflaged uniforms. Volunteers assured they could keep their facial hair were ordered to shave. And they were drilled onhow to rappel with ropes, navigate through the woods and respond to incidents under military command." MSNMSN
I am not too concerned with them wearing camouflaged uniforms. As for being taught to rappel with ropes and navigate through woods that is a good thing. If this is the worst stuff that Raw Story (a far left leaning media according to the favorite media bias rating of too hot regulars) could come up with who cares.
Not rhetorical, but are the security forces used? “Not bound by federal rules and regulations” and a police force at the whims of a governor is concerning
Because all the nuts really want the individual states to be their own countries were no one “is the boss of me” warlords and criminals oh my
