Florida National Guard

The Florida National Guard traces its heritage back to 1565, the year the Spanish founders of St. Augustine organized their first company of citizen-Soldiers. Floridas militia has defended local communities for over 440 years. Consistent with Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, Floridas Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen continue to serve in units from the Panhandle to the Keys. Today, Florida Guardsmen are involved in hundreds of community service projects across the state each day. Many serve in disaster relief operations, helping residents recover from natural disasters. Others train or serve in critical national defense positions throughout the nation and overseas deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan supporting operations in the war on terrorism. Florida National Guard Mission To provide military units and personnel ready to support United States national security objectives; to protect life and property; preserve peace, order and public safety; and, to contribute to such nat...