Florida State Guard Volunteers

Position Overview

The Florida State Guard (FSG) is a volunteer force that supports the state of Florida during emergencies, disasters, and public safety events. FSG volunteers serve across multiple specialized operational units, providing aviation, land-based, maritime, and special mission capabilities that strengthen statewide response efforts.

Volunteers may be assigned to one of the following units based on skills, interest, and operational need:

• Aviation Response Squadron (ARS)
• Crisis Response Battalion (CRB)
• Maritime Response Squadron (MRS)

Compensation & Training Stipend

• This is a volunteer position with the Florida State Guard.

• Volunteers will receive a paid stipend of $160 per day for approved training days.

Operational Units & Capabilities

Aviation Response Squadron (ARS)

ARS strengthens Florida’s crisis and emergency response as an aviation force multiplier, enhancing situational awareness, operational reach, and rapid response capabilities statewide.

Key Capabilities:

• Airborne Command and Control
• Reconnaissance and Imaging
• Search and Rescue
• Wildland Firefighting Support
• Medical Air Evacuations
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

Crisis Response Battalion (CRB)

The CRB is the Florida State Guard’s largest operational unit, specializing in land-based rapid response operations, CRB flexes statewide rapid response capabilities.

Key Capabilities:

• Mobile and fixed Point of Distribution (POD) operations
• Route clearance to restore access to roads, hospitals, and critical infrastructure
• Distributed logistics and resource delivery
• Search and rescue support
• Basic lifesaving and sustaining medical support

Maritime Response Squadron (MRS)

The MRS extends emergency response operations across Florida’s near-shore, off-shore, and inland waterways.

Key Capabilities:

• Maritime search and rescue
• Waterway security operations
• Waterway reconnaissance and damage assessment
• Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief via maritime transport
• Distribution of critical supplies to isolated communities
• Basic lifesaving and sustaining first aid

Volunteer Commitment

• Serve in a volunteer capacity with availability for statewide deployment.
• Willingness to respond on short notice during emergencies.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and extended operational periods during activations.
• Adherence to chain-of-command, uniform standards, and operational protocols.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Be a US citizen and Florida resident.
• Be between the ages of 18 and 60.
• During in-processing at Initial Entry Training (IET), applicants are required to complete and pass a full-panel urinalysis drug screening, undergo a basic physical examination, and a background check
• Be in general good health with no debilitating or hindering pre-existing medical conditions. Members of the Florida State Guard are often called to execute missions and training in austere environments. Applicants should be prepared to participate in rigorous physical activity and training.
• Adhere to all other requirements and guidelines as provided by FSG authorities.
• Applicants cannot be currently serving in the military, as dual service obligations could create conflicts during times of activation or emergency response.

Training & Readiness

• Completion of required onboarding.
• Participation in drills, exercises, and readiness evaluations.
• Ongoing training to maintain mission readiness and operational safety.

This is a statewide volunteer opportunity. Volunteers may serve anywhere in Florida depending on operational needs.