21/07/2023
I have been playing catch up with work, duties around the house and of course my college classes. Some of you are aware from a post my wife made a couple weeks ago; however, I am finally making the time to make a post myself.
On June 19th I reported to Camp Blanding for 10 day training BOOT camp with the Florida State Guard. Veterans, Fire and LEOs reported for a 10 day training course as opposed to those with no similar training had reported on June 1st for a 29 day BOOT camp.
Our class was the first Inaugural class since the Florida State Guard was disbanded in March of 1947, after the members of the National Guard had all returned from Service following WWII. I was surprised to learn that out of 54 States and Territories we in Florida are ranked 53 in relations to National Guard members to population. We have the ability to step up and assist the State of Florida, National Guard and other state agencies where able, in times of Natural Disasters or where needed.
Contrary to propaganda that was released recently the training we received was highly focused on providing Disaster Response Service to Floridians in a variety of roles. Our training was focused on becoming a force multiplier to our State, it’s residents, and communities. This training included some the following:
Team Building
Leadership
Training in manning and setting up a Point of Distribution
Training and certification as AHA BLS providers & Stop the Bleed
Training and operation of assigned equipment such as UTVs and FATS trucks
Maritime Search and Rescue operation from watercraft
Land Navigation
Confidence Course and Rappelling
Myself and my other fellow 119 other graduates all fealty with great leadership from the cadre involved from Florida National Guard and agencies who provided additional training. We all observed the confidence gained by trainees who had never rappelled in their life or navigated physical obstacles in a confidence course. Trust in each other and confidence in everyone’s ability to accomplish the mission was earned through the training, not just given based on someone’s title or achievements. We had people from all walks of life with a vast amount of knowledge and experience in a variety of areas walk across that graduation statue with heads held high on June 30th.
The application of land navigation using a map and compass is a great confidence builder for those who have never done it without a GPS or electronic app. If you have never responded to a disaster than you may not understand that road and street signs may be missing or submerged and the landscape can become unrecognizable.
We as graduates of the Florida State Guard ask for your support in this historic achievement and promise to be there for the State of Florida, it’s Residents, Communities and anywhere else assigned. We understand that there may be uncertainty and trepidation; however, we promise to do our best when the call comes form our Governor or Leadership and be there no matter what the negative propaganda says. We will rise to the occasion when disaster arrived at our States doorstep and continue to train during our assigned drill times to be the premier State Guard as we were challenged to be on the day we reported.
If you have questions about the training, go attend it and see for yourself what it is truly about as 120 of us Graduates did. Honored to have trained with my fellow graduates and look forward to the future of the Florida State Guard.
