HM 971 Summary

• Florida has approximately 21 million residents (third most populous state) but maintains a National Guard force structure of just over 12,000 personnel, ranking 53rd among the 54 states and territories with a ratio of one Guardsman per 1,833 residents.

• The Florida National Guard expended the same number of workdays in 18 months (2020-2021) due to COVID-19 response, natural disasters, and overseas deployments as it had in the previous 20 years.

• Repeated deployment of the same soldiers due to insufficient personnel has resulted in excessive fatigue and negatively impacts recruitment, retention, and readiness.

• The Florida Legislature urges Congress to impel the United States National Guard Bureau to examine resource allocations of the Florida National Guard and allow an increase in its force structure.

• The Secretary of State shall distribute copies of this memorial to the President, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and all members of the Florida Congressional delegation.