The training has been described as more akin to a ‘military fantasy camp’ than learning how to respond to hurricanes
A state guard unit set up by Ron DeSantis has been accused of training young recruits to be the Florida governor’s own “militia”.
Mr DeSantis announced last year he intended to revive the Florida State Guard – a volunteer disaster relief force – for the first time in 75 years.
Mr DeSantis vowed the World War Two-era force would be an “emergency-focused, civilian defence force”, but critics have raised alarm at the military-focus on an organisation that will report directly to the governor.
Members of the State Guard’s original leadership said they envisioned a civilian disaster response organisation that would supplement federal resources in the wake of natural disasters.