About this Unit
The Florida National Guard traces its origins to 1565, when Spanish settlers in St. Augustine formed a militia to defend the colony, making it one of the oldest military units in the United States. Throughout its history, the Florida National Guard has participated in major conflicts, including the Seminole Wars, the Civil War, both World Wars, and the Global War on Terrorism. The Guard has played a vital role in disaster response within Florida, assisting during hurricanes and other emergencies. Today, it comprises both Army and Air National Guard components, serving both state and federal missions.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the 16th Century: The Florida National Guard traces its roots to 1565, when Spanish settlers in St. Augustine formed local militias, making it the oldest known militia tradition in the United States.
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Seminole Wars Participation: Florida militias played a significant role in the Seminole Wars (1817–1858), with units engaging in challenging swamp and guerrilla warfare.
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Civil War Service: During the Civil War, Florida militia units served on both sides, but primarily supported the Confederacy, providing troops and home defense.
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Official State Guard Formation: The Florida State Troops, the precursor to today’s National Guard, were officially organized in 1868 and later redesignated as the Florida National Guard in 1909.
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Federal Deployments: The Florida National Guard has been activated for every major U.S. conflict since World War I, including deployments to Europe, the Pacific, the Middle East, and Afghanistan.
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Hurricane Response: The Guard is frequently activated for hurricane relief efforts, notably during Hurricane Andrew (1992), Hurricane Katrina (2005), and Hurricane Michael (2018).
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Space Shuttle Security: Florida National Guard units have played a role in providing security for NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, especially during space shuttle launches.
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State Partnership Program: Florida is partnered with Guyana under the National Guard State Partnership Program, enhancing military and civil relations internationally.
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First Female General: In 2018, Brigadier General Valeria Gonzalez-Kerr became the first Hispanic female general officer in the history of the Florida National Guard.
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Modern Structure: The Florida National Guard consists of over 12,000 Soldiers and Airmen, with major units including the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the 125th Fighter Wing.
