FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Sierra Dean, External Affairs Director
STARKE, Fla. - Today, the Florida State Guard (FSG) celebrated the graduation of over 160 recruits from the February Initial Entry Training (IET) program at the Camp Blanding Joint Operations Training Center, enhancing their personnel strength to nearly 800 Soldiers.
During the intensive three-week training, each graduate earned eight FEMA certificates in emergency response and public safety with additional training objectives in basic medical treatment and evacuation; land navigation; route reconnaissance and clearance; damage assessment; land and maritime search and rescue; distributed logistics; and additional humanitarian aid.
“I am proud to welcome our newest class of professionally trained and highly motivated graduates to the Florida State Guard,” stated Executive Director Mark Thieme. “Our Soldiers represent over 59 counties bringing varied professional experience and backgrounds—all united by their call to serve Florida families in times of need.”
This graduation marks the completion of the first IET of 2025. The FSG plans to host three additional IETs throughout the year with an anticipated year-end strength of over 1,000 personnel.
The FSG is currently accepting applications for the May IET. All Floridians ready to respond, ready to rescue, and called to serve are encouraged to apply here.
To learn more about those called to serve, watch the video below.
ABOUT FLORIDA STATE GUARD | WHEN DISASTER CALLS, WE ANSWER.
Reconstituted by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature in 2022, the Florida State Guard’s air, ground, and maritime units are force multipliers for statewide emergency response and public safety. The Florida State Guard is committed to protecting the life and property of Floridians from all threats to public safety. For more information, visit https://www.floridastateguard.org/ . Connect with the Florida State Guard on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
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