The Florida State Guard, with support from Gov. Ron DeSantis, has amped up its measures to intercept migrants traveling by boat, primarily from Cuba and Haiti. A report by the Miami Herald reveals that a specialized unit within the State Guard was deployed for combat and weapons training, including practicing with rifles and pistols and even "aerial gunnery." The Florida Legislature had revived the State Guard to assist the state’s overworked National Guard; however, the scope has since expanded, venturing into immigration control.
The Florida National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, conducted a Special Forces Readiness Evaluation. In an event noted by DVIDS, both civilians and military members were gauged on their abilities to discern suitable candidates for potential Green Beret status. This contrast in training focus, from hurricane relief to combat and border security, spotlights a marked shift in the State Guard’s recent operational narrative.
DeSantis has ramped up his stance on the state's proactive role in national security, notably amid affirmations during his presidential campaign trail, where he has stated that U.S. Border Patrol should have the right to shoot migrants "stone-cold dead" upon any perceived "hostile intent." This rhetoric aligns with the grafting of a more aggressive defense posture into state maneuver, a detail punctuated by the Governor's office's collaboration with Stronghold SOF Solutions for specialized training. The unit's preparation, designed as a "SOF skill refresher," covers a breadth of combat and tactical care, aligning with DeSantis's push for a hardened response to immigration issues.
While Florida's response takes a military bent, the Special Forces Readiness Evaluation offers another look at rigorous training, but at an individual level, where candidates tread through physical and mental trials to prove their Green Beret mettle. Staff Sgt. Jay told DVIDS,"A majority of time, they think that if they just can run good and ruck good, then they're fine. But it's getting that mental endurance going to really push them beyond the fact that, like, understanding the body is going to shut down, they're body is going to start quitting a lot earlier than they expect and how to work through that. That's what I keep seeing a lot of candidates not understand. And they learn it the hard way,"
As the State Guard grows under DeSantis's push, the state’s activation of enhanced training protocols sharpens the edge of Florida's law enforcement capabilities. The financial commitment further reinforces this evolution; the program is expecting an additional $57 million in funding if the governor's budget proposals pass. At the same time, prospects of an interview for those few who endure and excel through the grueling SFRE weekend allow a glimpse at the makings of elite military operatives, starkly contrasting civilian life from the making of a Green Beret.
