Florida’s civilian military force, formerly known as the State Guard, is getting a new leader. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced last Friday, that United States Marine Corps veteran Mark Thieme will take the helm as the next director of the Florida State Guard.
The former Senior Officer and Tampa Bay resident, served 35-years with the Marines, supporting numerous operations including Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
According to a press release from Governor Ron DeSantis’ office, Thieme also holds more than 5 commendation medals for the time he served in combat.
Thieme is the third person to hold the position since the governor reestablished the State Guard in 2022. He follows retired Navy officer Luis Soler, who left his job shortly after the State Guard graduated its first class of 100 troops earlier this year.
The organization has faced criticism from recruits who have raised concerns the guard is becoming too “militarized.”