The Florida National Guard traces its heritage back to 1565, the year the Spanish founders of St. Augustine organized their first company of citizen-Soldiers. Florida’s militia has defended local communities for over 440 years. Consistent with Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, Florida’s Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen continue to serve in units from the Panhandle to the Keys. Today, Florida Guardsmen are involved in hundreds of community service projects across the state each day. Many serve in disaster relief operations, helping residents recover from natural disasters. Others train or serve in critical national defense positions throughout the nation and overseas deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan supporting operations in the war on terrorism. Florida National Guard Mission To provide military units and personnel ready to support United States national security objectives; to protect life and property; preserve peace, order and public safety; and, to contribute to such national, state, and local programs that add value to The United States of America and the State of Florida. Our Vision To be an organization that is recognized as the nation’s top National Guard with its focus on people, readiness, and dedication to service to the nation, state, and community. To be a military organization of skilled people, modern equipment, with quality systems, available and ready to accomplish peacetime and wartime missions as part of the total force. To be capable and competent to meet the challenges before us as we move into the 21st century.