text: DESANTIS STANDS UP FLORIDA STATE GUARD: Florida Governor Ron Desantis announced a $3.5 million plan to reestablish the Florida State Guard. “We want to be able to have a quick response capability, and reestablishing the Florida State Guard will allow civilians from all over the state to be trained in the best emergency response techniques, and have the ability to mobilize very, very quickly” during a disaster, such as a hurricane. While the measure will only support around 200 personnel, 32 U.S. Code § 109 says the units “may not be called, ordered, or drafted into the armed forces” while under the authority of the governor. (AC: This revitalization of state defense forces could be a way for states to circumvent Department of Defense regulations. Intrastate emergencies or interstate power contests may pit federal troops against state forces if a governor defies the Pentagon. Expansion of this effort is a possible indicator of future U.S. balkanization. –