Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed reestablishing the state’s State Guard Military Force. The military force was initially a World War II-era effort comprised of civilians and controlled by the governor.

[jwplayer keebhV18-lzmB6GEw]

The Hill reports:

The Guard would consist of 200 volunteer civilians “trained in the best emergency response techniques” that would aid in the event of natural disasters or other state emergencies, according to a press release.

The Florida State Guard was initially created in 1941 to fill in for National Guard members deployed during World War II. It was later disbanded in 1947.

DeSantis said the proposed unit would “not be encumbered by the federal government,” adding that this force would give him “the flexibility and the ability needed to respond to events in our state in the most effective way possible.”

The idea was part of DeSantis’s larger military budget proposal, which included establishing three new armories, a new National Guard Headquarters and supporting service members getting degrees.

DeSantis is requesting $3.5 million from the state legislature to fund the effort. If successful it would become the nation’s 23rd active state guard.