EDUCATION PROMOTES READINESS 8 | STATE LAUNCHES SPACE FORCE 24 - MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL ...
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Education Promotes Readiness 8 | State Launches Space Force 24
PUBLISHER
Letter From
THE EDITOR
THE ADJUTANT
GENERAL
FEATURES
Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles
Leave A Legacy
by the various public affairs teams
throughout our state; Mississippi Na-
tional Guard State Public Affairs Office,
the 102nd Mobile Public Affairs De-
tachment, the 186th Air Refueling Wing,
the 172nd Airlift Wing, Camp Shelby
Joint Forces Training Center, the Com-
bat Readiness Training Center, and your
Unit Public Affairs Representative. As EDITOR
a combined initiative, it is our mission Lt. Col. Deidre D. Smith
to ensure we tell the stories of our Director of Public Affairs
talented and diverse Mississippi Army
and Air National Guard service men ASSISTANT EDITOR
and women. Mr. Daniel Szarek
We come from a long line of patri- Dep. Director of Public Affairs
ots in this great state. Members of
the Mississippi Army and Air National GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Guard represent less than one percent Ms. Chelsy Ables
of our total state population! The
dynamic part of this statistical data STAFF
is that currently, there are Mississippi Capt. Terry Hill
Army and Air National Guard service Sgt. Scott Tynes
“Iron sharpens iron, so one person members , whom are actively serving Sgt. Michael Needham
sharpens another” and live in every county in the state. I Spc. Jovi Prevot
~ Proverbs 27:17 am so thankful that I too am ‘Mississip- Ms. Danielle Thomas
pi Made.’
As comrades in arms, we have sever- So, as we continue our distinguished
al opportunities to share our patriotism, service throughout our state, I encour-
acknowledge each other’s successes, age each of you to take a vested inter-
8 10 14 21
and celebrate our service to our nation est in the positive impacts our service
and the great state of Mississippi. I am members have on our hometowns and FOR COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS
honored to be selected as your Direc- communities. We have the opportunity PLEASE PHONE: 601 313 6349
tor of Public Affairs for the Mississippi to share our patriotism, acknowledge
Continuing Education Frontier Training Engineers Deploy Traditional Tradesman National Guard. It is my vision to each other’s successes and celebrate
Fourth school signs mem- Special Forces and mili- Gulf Coast engineers receive Career Guardsman develops celebrate the service of our Soldiers our service to our nation and the great
orandum partnering with tary police conduct annual warm sendoff from communi- skill dating back to Medieval and Airmen. It is my goal to promote state of Mississippi. I am truly honored
MSNG; giving Guardsmen training in Alaska, strength- ty before heading to Middle times; uses it as hobby to the Public Affairs’ mission – to tell the for the chance to serve as your Direc-
the opportunity to receive ening state relationships and East for nine-month deploy- build resiliency. stories of the lives you touch in our tor of Public Affairs for the Mississippi
free tuition. enhancing interoperability ment supporting Operation communities. I want to show the citi- National Guard. Thank you for this
among our nation’s forces. Inherent Resolve. zens of Mississippi the heartfelt service opportunity.
of our service members during various Comrades, this is your Mississippi. VISIT US AT
missions, such as emergency response This is your time. This is your story.
and disaster relief. Your contributions Ladies and gentlemen of the Missis- ms.ng.mil/
are vital during deployments, missions, sippi National Guard, it is time to put or the following Social
and training. It’s important to recognize Mississippi in the forefront, it is time to Network sites under
The Guard Detail is the official magazine of the Mississippi National Guard. It is published three times a year with a circulation of approximately and appreciate the sacrifices our Fami- ‘LEAVE A LEGACY!’ Mississippi National Guard
12,300 copies and also distributed online via the Mississippi National Guard web and Facebook pages. Opinions expressed herein are not lies make to support us throughout our
necessarily those of the Army, Air Force, Army National Guard, Air National Guard or the Department of Defense. military service.
Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Office of Public Affairs, Joint Force Headquarters, Mississippi, State of Mississippi As I embark on this new journey Lt. Col. Deidre D. Smith
Military Department. with a team of talented public affairs Editor-in Chief
All photographs and graphic devices are copyrighted to the State of Mississippi, Military Department unless otherwise indicated. professionals, I encourage each of you
All submissions should pertain to the Mississippi National Guard and are subject to editing. Contributions and reader comments should be to share your stories for publication
sent to: ng.ms.msarng.list.public-affairs@mail.mil.
COVER PHOTO: Universities across Mississippi joined the adjutant general of Mississippi, Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, in signing a memorandum of understanding providing free undergraduate tuition to their respective
universities for Mississippi National Guard members. Mississippi State University President Dr. Mark Keenum (Top Left), Mississippi University for Women President Mrs. Nora Miller (Top Right), Jackson
State University President Dr. William B. Bynum, Jr. (Bottom Left), and University of Southern Mississippi President Dr. Rodney D. Bennett (Bottom Right).
SNAPSHOTS
Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant
general of Mississippi, talks to Soldiers
in the 1387th Quartermaster Company,
184th Sustainment Command, during
exercise Ardent Sentry at Camp McCain,
Mississippi on May 29. Ardent Sentry
is a North American Aerospace Defense
Command and U.S. Northern Command
exercise focused on defense support of
civil authorities during a simulated New
Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake. Ardent
Sentry helps build interagency relation-
ships to prepare for possible severe earth-
quakes. (U.S. Army National Guard photo
by Pfc. Christopher Shannon)
Scan the QR code to view
Ardent Sentry.
Colonel
Billy F. Murphy
MSNG Modernization
On July 1, Governor Phil I will be establishing a
Bryant signed an executive Space Task Force in order
order establishing a Space to conduct mission analysis
Directorate in the Mississippi on the different facets in
National Guard so “that our the space program – control,
state is prepared to respond to operations, electronic warfare, Mississippi National Guard equipment is staged at the Grenada Airfield
ever-changing national security and early warning to name a hangar located at the Grenada Municipal Airport where the 2nd Battalion,
threats and ensure that our few. This group will determine 185th Aviation Brigade recently finalized a lease on 25 acres for use in
training and air traffic control. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Pfc.
Mississippi National Guard what types of equipment, Micah Longmire)
members continue to play a facilities and training are nec-
critical role in the protection essary to accomplish specific
of this country in the 21st objectives. We will identify
century.” the skillsets for personnel and
I have the honor of being
named the first director for
this endeavor. As I began
define the right space mission
for the state. Additionally, we
are charged with developing
The Mississippi National Guard Acquires
researching the different personnel that will be able to
missions of the United States
Space Command, I quickly
augment current space squad-
rons and elements across the
Operational Site at the Grenada Municipal Airport
learned that this project has enterprise during deployments
the potential to be an excep- and existing operations.
tional mission for the State of These are exciting times for Story by Pfc. Micah Longmire operations. Federal Aviation Administration guidelines dictate
Mississippi. the men and women of the 102d Mobile Public Affairs Detachment that the equipment used by the 2nd Battalion, 185th Aviation
One of the first documents Mississippi National Guard. Brigade cannot be used near large airports because of func-
I explored was the Space We now have an opportunity The Mississippi National Guard recently acquired 25 acres tional conflicts. Therefore, the unit is restricted to operating
Threat Assessment 2019 from in this state to move forward of the Grenada Municipal Airport, following negotiations that at full capacity either in Grenada or New Albany.
the Center for Strategic & in this frontier battlespace, began with the city in 2017. The facility will be utilized for The airport saw increased military use during the train-
International Studies. I soon work with cutting edge private training, weather-safe storage, and air traffic control for mil- ing exercise known as Ardent Sentry at Camp McCain, and
learned that satellites are industry, and affect homeland itary and civilian purposes. the equipment ran at full capacity to receive aircraft vital to
vulnerable to a wide array defense capabilities. As we The Greater Grenada Partnership facilitated and finalized the exercise. Ardent Sentry is a North American Aerospace
of intentional threats from explore the vast realm that the agreement as a long-term lease that will serve as a mul- Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command exercise fo-
numerous countries around is space and understand the tipurpose operations center for Camp McCain. cused on defense support of civil authorities during a simu-
the world. Most people don’t complexities and intricacies The annex allows the Mississippi National Guard to have a lated New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake.
realize how much we rely on that these missions entail, I permanent footprint for training and increases the capabilities In addition to exercises, the capabilities provided by the
satellites today. The United am confident we will spawn of Camp McCain - which allows for total unit readiness, said annex promote Camp McCain’s readiness to respond to emer-
States is extremely dependent true space professionals among Col. Rick Weaver, the garrison commander of Camp McCain. gencies and execute missions, while supporting cooperation
on space both economically our ranks and lay a foundation Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 185th Aviation Brigade are between the military and its local partners.
and militarily. Satellites enable for future growth. serving their state and the city of Grenada by providing qual-
our televisions, telecommuni- ified air traffic controllers and permanent equipment such as
cations, worldwide networks, radars and a control tower. This not only allows for increased
and Global Positioning Systems Billy F. Murphy safety in aerial operations, but will also allow for more air
(GPS). If the United States Vice Commander traffic, which may help stimulate the economy of Grenada.
loses any contest in the space 186th Air Operations Group The airport is used as a recurring site for military train-
battlefield, the risk to our Mississippi Air National Guard ing, but when operations were to begin, equipment had to be
national security would be carried in each time, which led to maintenance issues during
substantial. long-term stays, said Lt. Col. Ashley Sullivan, commander of
There are many threats the 2nd Battalion, 185th Aviation Brigade.
to our assets in space from Due to the annex and available space, infrastructure is
counter space weapons. The planned to be built that provides a permanent station to main-
types of weapons can be tain the Mississippi National Guard’s equipment.
kinetic physical, non-kinetic It’s a large enough area to be able to house equipment, yet
physical, electronic, and cyber. this infrastructure will not interfere with the civilian or local Lt. Col. Ashley Sullivan, (Right) commander of 2nd Battalion, 185th Aviation
Regiment, greets Maj. Gen. Janson Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi,
The sophistication of these traffic at all, said Sullivan. and Brig. Gen. Stanley Budraitis, commander, 66th Troop Command, at the
weapons has to be researched The annex is not only beneficial to the airport due to fed- Grenada Municipal Airport, May 29. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by
PFC Austin Eldridge)
comprehensively so they eral funding, but it is also necessary for the Guard’s long-term
can be defeated in a timely
manner.
ng.ms.msarng.list.public-affairs@mail.mil | 7
MSNG Public Affairs
Mississippi National Guard. We have to be ready at a mo-
ment’s notice to go defend this country all over the world,”
said Boyles.
“Developing sound leaders is a
cornerstone of readiness in the
military. This program allows us
to develop leadership through
partnering with our universities.”
- Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles
Adjutant General of Mississippi
More than 50 Army and Air National Guardsmen, re-
cruiters, senior leaders, and USM cadets were present for
the ceremony. Many of them are grateful for the program,
not just for the monetary advantage, but because it helps
relieve some of the stress associated with university life.
“I think it’s a great deal right now for everybody that’s
in the National Guard,” said Devonte Wells, USM Reserve
Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadet. “We don’t have to
worry about tuition anymore and basically just focus on
school.”
The signing of the USM Golden Eagle Free Tuition memorandum was held Wells, from Brandon, will commission as a second lieu-
USM, MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD
at the University of Southern Mississippi’s historic Ogletree Alumni House. tenant in the Mississippi Army National Guard upon grad-
The Ogletree House was built in 1912 and is now home to the USM Alumni
Association. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Jovi Prevot)
uation in May 2020. He currently serves with the 857th
Engineer Company based in Picayune.
The University of Southern Mississippi is the fourth
ANNOUNCE GOLDEN EAGLES FREE TUITION PROGRAM institute of higher learning to form a program partnership
with the MSNG in offering free tuition to Guardsmen. With
notable alumni including retired Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey W.
Hammond; Senator and retired Army Col. Ronald Rabin;
Dr. Rodney D. Ben- and Astronaut and retired Army Brig. Gen. Robert L. Stew-
nett, president of the Story by Mr. Daniel Szarek credit hours per semester); in good standing art, the legacy of serving the nation runs deep in Southern
University of Southern JFH-MS Public Affairs Office with their unit; must not be within one year Miss pride.
Mississippi, and Maj.
Gen. Janson D. Boyles, of their end of term of service, and must “Military service to our country is among the highest
the adjutant general of The Mississippi National Guard and the maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain eligible. forms of patriotism and selflessness, and we take our role
Mississippi, sign a memo-
randum of understanding University of Southern Mississippi signed an Once a student is approved for the State as a military friendly institution seriously,” said Bennett. “I
establishing the Gold- agreement July 31 allowing the state’s Citizen Educational Assistance Program (SEAP), the could not be more proud to partner with the Mississippi
en Eagle Free Tuition Soldiers and Airmen to receive free tuition university of choice receives a solid portion National Guard to support the educational goals of the
Program at the Ogletree
Alumni House in Hat- for their continuing education needs. of tuition for each service member in propor- men and women whose service and sacrifice protects our
tiesburg. July 31. USM Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adju- tion to all other state-supported universities. state and our country through the establishment of the
is the fourth Mississippi tant general of Mississippi, and Dr. Rodney The chosen university will then combine all Golden Eagle Free Tuition Program.” #SMTTT
university to join an ini-
tiative offering free tuition D. Bennett, president of the USM, signed other benefits the student has and/or quali-
to eligible Mississippi a memorandum of understanding for the fies for to ensure the student graduates with
Air and Army National
Guardsmen. (U.S. Army Golden Eagle Free Tuition Program at the a zero-tuition balance.
SCAN HERE
National Guard photo by Ogletree Alumni House on the university’s The free tuition program is designed to
Spc. Jovi Prevot) campus in Hattiesburg. help improve and maintain MSNG readiness
The memorandum of understanding builds and education, and to help increase recruit-
on current National Guard education bene- ing efforts throughout the state. Much like
fits creating an opportunity for Mississippi
Army and Air National Guard service mem-
bers to reach their educational goals as they
military education, civilian and higher ed-
ucation is instrumental in the growth and
advancement of service members and adds
FOR VIDEO
continue to serve. In order to be eligible for value to the total Soldier/Airman concept Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi, discusses
free tuition, a service member must be a within the Guard. the Golden Eagle Free Tuition Program during the signing ceremony. (U.S.
full-time undergraduate student (at least 12 “Readiness is our constant goal for the Army National Guard photo by Spc. Jovi Prevot)
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MSNG Public Affairs
MS Guardsmen
Take on The Last Frontier
Left: Sgt. Cody Barber, 114th Military
Story and photos by Sgt. Shawn Keeton of training in Alaska, Soldiers were ex- in numerous training venues that chal- “Being away from Camp Shelby, “Some Soldiers don’t have the oppor- Police Company, Mississippi Army Na-
102d Mobile Public Affairs Detachment cited about a change of scenery for lenged each and every person. These which is our natural training environ- tunity to travel outside Mississippi, so tional Guard, fires the M2A1 .50 cali-
their training site. Several training op- events included a field training exer- ment, causes us to have control of all coming to Alaska is all a lot of them ber machine gun, at Fort Richardson,
Alaska, July 17. The unit performed
When Mississippi Guardsmen think portunities were scheduled to improve cise, land navigation, military opera- of our planning and we have to own have been talking about,” Krisle said. range operations as part of their
of annual training, several different the unit’s readiness ahead of their up- tions in urban terrain training, range it,” he said. “A change of scenery and training site three-week annual training.
thoughts surface. Some think of long, coming overseas deployment. operations, tactical combat casualty The Soldiers were excited about is good for unit morale overall.” Middle: Soldiers from the 114th
hot summer days at Camp Shelby. Oth- “We have been hard charging try- care, a nine-mile company hike and the opportunity to test their skills in As the training progressed, the Sol- Military Police Company, Mississip-
ers may think of cold mornings on a ing to get ready for this deployment,” an eight-mile company ruck march. this unique location. Land navigation diers of the 114th hit their stride as a pi Army National Guard, perform
military operations in urban terrain
firing range at Camp McCain. Howev- said Capt. Margaret Krisle, 114th com- “The Soldiers know Camp McCain proved to be particularly challenging cohesive unit. This will prove beneficial (MOUT) training at Fort Richardson,
er, the July 2019 annual training for mander. “Alaska has challenged us in a and Camp Shelby pretty well,” Krisle for some. when the unit deploys later this year. Alaska July 16. The MOUT site
the 114th Military Police Company way we weren’t expecting. It gave us said. “This is a wakeup call for them “The terrain is a lot thicker here, “We are going to be with each oth- exercise was part of the unit’s annual
training in preparation for an over-
will be one the Soldiers will not soon a way to realize our faults and correct as far as mission planning. They have and there are more obstacles prevent- er for roughly 11 months. Building the seas deployment later this year.
forget. them.” to rely on the basics to make sure they ing direct movements,” said Staff Sgt. bonds now with each other will help
Soldiers of the 114th MP Co., from The annual training marked Krisle’s are prepared to run their missions. Ryan Rall, 1st Plt. platoon sergeant. tremendously once we get overseas,” Right: Soldiers with the 114th Military
Police Company, Mississippi Army Na-
Clinton, boarded a C-17 at the 172d third year in command of the 114th They couldn’t base their knowledge “The Soldiers have to work as a team said Spc. Willie O’Reilly. tional Guard, perform tactical combat
Airlift Wing in Flowood, Mississippi, MP Company. off of previous experience.” to be successful.” Company leaders said the 2019 annu- casualty care training (TCCC) on July
19, at Fort Richardson, Alaska.
July 6, and flew to Fort Richardson, The training was a combined MSNG “Alaska has allowed the unit to have The 23-day training allowed the Sol- al training in Alaska helped strengthen
Alaska. Over 70 Soldiers from the effort with the 114th MPs and Com- more small group leader time,” said diers to explore Alaska through group the readiness of the unit and prepare
four-platoon company attended the pany E, 20th Special Forces Group. Sgt. 1st Class Tarance Spann, 2nd Plt. hikes and exercises. For many, this was them for the mission ahead.
annual training. Slated for three weeks The Soldiers were able to participate platoon sergeant, 114th MP Co. their first time in the 49th state.
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MSNG Public Affairs
Each MPT performance was conducted at differ-
ent locations. Locations including entertainment/
community centers, Flying V Ceremonies at Scho-
field Barracks, a veteran’s shelter and a change
of command aboard the U.S.S. Missouri for the
commander of the Defense Information Systems
Agency (DISA) Pacific Theater.
“The key note speaker at this ceremony was
Vice Admiral Nancy A. Norton and it was held
on the battleship, the U.S.S. Missouri - the same
battleship where Japan surrendered to the United
States and ended World War 2. We had a picture
of the band taken with her,” Kirk said.
Many performances were a collaboration with
the 111th Hawaii Army National Guard Band.
“This made cross-training very
possible, so we were able to plan
Sgt. 1st Class Terry Miller leads the 41st Mississippi Army National Guard Band during their Pearl Harbor
missions with them while perform- Performance July 18. The band joined with the 111th Hawaii Army National Guard Band during their
annual training in Hawaii. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Victoria Miller)
ing as an active duty band. This is
something that only National Guard
bands can do. ”
Soldiers of the 41st Mississippi Army National Guard Band pose with Vice Admiral Nancy
Norton aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii July 16. The band played
- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Casey Kirk
at the change of command ceremony for Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)
during their annual training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Victoria Miller) 41st Army Band Commander
“Our unit was recently rated as one of the
top performing Army National Guard Bands in
the country as a result of our last Organizational
Mississippi Band
Readiness Exercise, a Department of the Army
evaluation that happens every 5 to 6 years for us.
One recommendation that was made to us was
that the unit be taken out more so we can per-
Soldiers of the 111th Hawaii Army National Guard Band and the 41st Mississippi Army National Guard Band
form as an active duty band and collaborate with pose inside the rehearsal room in Honolulu, July 16. The two bands collaborated on multiple performances
Conducts Pearl Harbor Performance
other NG bands to assist them in performance of during their annual training in Hawaii. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Victoria Miller)
their missions,” Kirk said.
Staff Sgt. James Weary, a former active duty
Soldier, said “this training is like a smaller scale
deployment. It follows all the same concepts (be-
Story by Sgt. Scott Tynes and Spc. Victoria Miller was that the entire band for the U.S.S. Arizona was killed cause) it is the direct reflection of what active
JFH-MS Public Affairs Office that day. So being able to perform there, right across duty Soldiers do when they mobilize for a full
from where they perished, was just haunting. It’s an ex- deployment. Moving troops, moving equipment,
The Mississippi 41st Army National Guard Band was perience I know my guys will remember for the rest of and going to a different area of operations.”
given a unique and rare opportunity this July when its 37 their lives.” Kirk said many people assumed the 41st per-
Soldiers went to Hawaii for annual training; performing The band kicked off its annual training in Camp Shelby formed at Army functions on a regular basis.
and building relationships with other Army bands. and completed its training in Hawaii. The training was “We had several spectators (at the Pearl Harbor
The highlight of the tour was a performance at the centered on missions typically performed by the 25th and memorial) that didn’t know we were a Nation-
Pearl Harbor National Memorial and performing with 111th bands, both based in Hawaii. al Guard Band, nor that this was something the
their National Guard counterparts in the 111th Hawaii “To come in and have the ability to play on national National Guard could do - they had assumed we
Army Band and the active duty 25th Infantry Division historical landmarks and memorials. It was a tremendous were an active duty Army band,” Kirk said. “It
Band. building exercise,” said Sgt. Joe Raymond. was educational to them to learn that the Na-
“Playing at Pearl Harbor is a military band commander’s In many other performances the band performed in tional Guard can do exactly what our active duty
bucket-list wish,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Casey Kirk, their individual groups, or musical performance teams counterparts can do.”
commander of the 41st Army Band. “My Soldiers were (MPT’s). The teams enable the band to perform modular The 41st Band consists of members from all
just in awe of the entire park and the significance of it. performances at the same time. They are known as the across the state and includes many who are band
We specifically tailored our selections to honor those that Jackson Regiment (rock band), Magnolia Brass (brass directors or musical instructors in their Civilian Members of the 41st Mississippi Army National Guard band play a show at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, July
had perished and served there, as well as the veterans quintet/ceremonial), Crooked Lettas Brass Band (dixie lives. 18. The band played a set highlighting songs from the pre-WWII time period to honor the history of Pearl
that went on to fight the war. One thing that struck me land style brass band), and Category VI (jazz combo). Harbor. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Victoria Miller)
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MSNG Public Affairs
emony for the company on June 22. Family, friends, and com-
munity members listened as Mayor Dane Maxwell read a procla-
mation naming Saturday, June 29, 2019, Hometown Heroes Day.
“We realize the job they have to do. It’s not an easy one,” said
Maxwell. “They keep the bad guys away from us so the least we
can do is show our support. We look forward to seeing them
come home soon.”
The family of Sgt. Matthew Riley feels reassured after seeing
so many friends and community members come out to show
support and extend their well wishes.
“The ceremony was very nice, and I thought all the speakers
did a great job,” said Bethany Riley, wife of Sgt. Matthew Riley.
“This will be his first deployment since we’ve been married, and I
feel like the Mississippi National Guard has prepared us as much
as we can be prepared for the separation.”
As the 859th left the Pascagoula armory in a convoy, residents
lined the streets waving American flags and signs with messages
of love and encouragement.
“It brought tears to my eyes. I didn’t realize how much sup-
port we have,” said Jones. “They celebrated us and wished us
success in accomplishing our mission. So many people came out
whether they knew us or not, and whether they had a Soldier
leaving or not.”
After the engineers left Pascagoula and jumped on a plane
out of Gulfport, they arrived at Fort Bliss to begin the strenuous
Engineers Answer the Call
mobilization training and familiarization necessary for maximum
readiness.
Top: Sgt. Mario Rancatore, a team leader assigned to 3rd Although the 859th began preparing for this deployment over
Platoon, 859th Engineer Company, secures cross-bracing for a year ago, Hope says training has taken on a different feel since
a guard tower at McGregor Range Complex, New Mexico,
July 25. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Timothy Gray, 5th AR leaving Mississippi.
BDE) “I will say once you are on ground for mobilization, not being
Bottom: Sgt. Cord Dearman, a carpenter assigned to 3rd Pla- able to return home at night after a training day changes your
toon, 859th Engineer Company, Mississippi National Guard, mindset a good deal. It is hard to leave home, and that’s one
Story by Ms. A. Danielle Thomas “The Soldiers over there need a place to lay inspects his vehicle before starting a training mission at Mc- of the first things that really hits you other than the training,”
Gregor Range Complex, New Mexico, July 25. The engineers
JFH-MS Public Affairs Office (Gulfport Bureau) their heads down, a place to eat, and a place are training and validating in preparation for an upcoming Hope said. “These Soldiers all have Family that they love and
to relax,” said 1st Sgt. Brian Rubino, company deployment. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Timothy Gray) miss. It really shows the sacrifice that these men and women
Mississippi Army National Guardsmen will first sergeant. “So, that’s what we will build are making.”
serve nine months in the Middle East after a for them.”
short stop in Texas to prepare for the phys- Specialist Lauren Jones is deploying for the
ically and mentally challenging conditions first time and describes it as bittersweet. She’s
they’ll face. The 859th Engineer Company excited to encounter new experiences, but it’s
(Vertical) trained at Ft. Bliss in various tacti- hard not being with her son.
cal and technical construction exercises. Since “It will be difficult being away from my fam-
this is the first deployment for many of the ily,” said Jones. “But I have a great group of
Soldiers, Capt. Matthew Hope, 859th company people I’m deploying with. I look forward to
commander, said it’s critical to strengthen their experiencing many teachable moments with
ability to operate in an austere environment. them.”
“We are a vertical unit, meaning we pri- The Guardsmen say the gestures of support
marily focus on [the] construction of buildings they received from their leadership and com-
to include carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and munity before leaving Mississippi will make
electrical,” said Hope. “The Soldiers are being the separation easier. The 890th Engineer Staff Sgt. Keiane Magee,
trained to live and work in climate and dif- Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Chris Thomas, platoon sergeant for 3rd
Platoon, 859th Engineer
ficult conditions that are similar to the U.S. visited the Gulfport Combat Readiness Train- Company, briefs his
Central Command (USCENTCOM) areas of ing Center to shake the hand of every Soldier platoon about the training
operation. These Soldiers are out in the heat about to board the planes for Texas. mission at McGregor
Range Complex, New
and all types of desert, by design, to push them “I think it’s important for the deploying Sol- Mexico, July 25. The engi-
to their limits.” diers to see the command team interested in neers are training and val-
idating in preparation for
Once the approximately 160 Soldiers arrive how they are doing before they ship out,” said an upcoming deployment.
in the Middle East, they’ll serve as part of Op- Thomas. “We need to reassure them we are (U.S. Army photo by Staff
eration Inherent Resolve. Their skills will be watching over them and making sure they have Sgt. Timothy Gray)
used to construct facilities for U.S. and coa- everything they need to be successful.”
lition forces. The city of Pascagoula hosted a sendoff cer-
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MSNG Public Affairs
YELLOW RIBBON
Keeps Families Strong
Story and photos by Capt. Terry Hill with the G.I. Bill and Tuition Assistance Companies from across
JFH-MS Public Affairs Office Soldiers earn as a member of the Na- Mississippi participated in a
job fair at a Yellow Ribbon
tional Guard. These benefits continue Reintegration Program in
An overseas deployment in the Na- to grow as multiple academic institu- Tupelo. Recently deployed
Soldiers of 155th Armored
tional Guard can be a trying time for tions across Mississippi recently signed Brigade Combat Team
Guardsmen and their Families. The a memorandum of understanding with were able to interact with
anxiety leading up to departure and the MSNG to provide Guard members potential employers and
explore prospective job
the separation during may be tough, free undergraduate tuition. opportunities. Federal government and Mississippi state entities had an opportunity The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program provides resources to recently
but hardships don’t always end when a Attendees listened to sessions on to share what their programs had to offer Mississippi National Guard deployed Service Members and their families and also connects them
Soldier returns home. financial management ranging from re- members at a Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program in Tupelo. with potential employers.
“I really didn’t know which direction tirement to buying a home. Other pre-
to go. And it’s nice that a lot of people sentations included
are there to… answer my questions,” resources for behav-
said Spc. Brianna Irby, a Soldier with ioral health, transi-
the Mississippi National Guard. She tion assistance, and knowledge gained through their military service.
described her experience at a recent healthcare. These
Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program invaluable resourc- “We want to give them (Soldiers
(YRRP) event in Tupelo. es were not limited
Irby, and the rest of the nearly 3,500 to Soldiers alone. and Family) the ability to be more
Soldiers of the 155th Armored Brigade Family members
Combat Team, recently returned from learned about child
employable, to know they can
a nine-month deployment to the Middle and youth programs take all the skills they have in the
East in support of Operation Spartan through the Nation-
Shield. al Guard as well as National Guard and apply them to a
The YRRP is a Department of Defense
effort to promote the well-being of Na-
the Strong Bonds
program that offers
civilian job.”
tional Guard and Reserve members, lodging and meals
their Families and communities by con- for service members
- Kim Hart
necting them with resources throughout and their spouses to Area Coordinator for
the deployment cycle. attend marriage en- Families First of Mississippi
Nearly 1,200 Soldiers and Family richment programs
members attended the two-day event, throughout the By the end of the event, more than 50 Soldiers
one of seven held across the state. For state. and Family members had interviews scheduled or
Irby, this was her first deployment, but The job fair ap- were already planned-hires with potential employers.
for others this was not their first expe- peared to be one Dr. David Anderson, a motivational speaker and
rience at a Yellow Ribbon event. of the most pop- counselor, provides leadership and guidance at these
“I’ve learned a lot. There is a lot more ular events of the events all over the country.
I’m taking home that I wish I had learned weekend. Federal “A lot of it is just coaching folks up, both Soldiers
during my first deployment,” said Sgt. and state entities, and their Families and loved ones,” said Anderson.
1st Class James Hall, with Starkville’s alongside private “Of how to navigate the deployment cycle and where
2nd Battalion, 114th Field Artillery Reg- companies, made their deployment is not just a downer but could be
iment. “My life could be completely dif- their case for at- a time where they flourish.”
ferent now had I listened.” tendees to join their Throughout Mississippi, the Yellow Ribbon Rein-
Numerous organizations were on team. Other organi- tegration Program offers those resources and oppor-
hand to provide returning Soldiers and zations provided re- tunities to Soldiers and their families so they don’t
their Family members resources that sume writing tips to just flourish during deployment, but thrive during the
would help in the post-deployment tran- help Soldiers fully post-deployment transition period and beyond.
sition process. Colleges and universities convey their wealth
presented programs that could be used of experience and
16 | Guard Detail Summer 2019 ms.ng.mil ng.ms.msarng.list.public-affairs@mail.mil | 17
ceive a future space mission and could easily support
a multitude of them.”
With Dr. Mark Esper becoming the 27th Secretary of
Defense and Gen. Mark Milley’s selection as the chair-
man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, modernization is the
top priority of leadership within the Pentagon. It is also
their central challenge.
Artificial intelligence and information technology are
at the top of the list for developing advancements –
and the advancements they seek are out of this world.
Establishing and maintaining a strong space pres-
ence and preparing for future operations in the cosmos
is one of the main reasons Mississippi established a Governor Phil Bryant signs an executive order establishing a Mississippi
space-specific organization. It wasn’t a difficult deci- Space Force within the National Guard on July 1. (Photo courtesy of
sion however; the state already has a starship state-of- Alyssa Newton, Sun Herald)
mind with the John C. Stennis Space Center. The field
center, located in Hancock County, is NASA’s largest taking the lead in space modernization.
rocket engine test facility and already “These are exciting times for the men
has personnel from the Space Direc- and women of the Mississippi National
torate working on site. Guard,” said Murphy. “I feel honored
The directorate will include ex- to be selected as the first direc-
perts who specialize in space, tor of the space program here
mobility, and electronic warfare in Mississippi and look for-
operations and in cyber, data- ward to future missions
link, and radio communications. and working with our
As with any other wing/compa- industry partners in
ny-sized element or larger, it will the state.”
have the same administrative sup-
port system with personnel and finan-
cial management specialists as
well as judge advocates
and legal aides.
Governor Phil Bryant announced the formation of a
The task force will
work with MSNG
Magnolia
Mississippi National Guard Space Directorate on July 1.
( Photo courtesy of Twitter/Phil Bryant) personnel, exist-
ing space com-
mands, industry
partners and other
Space Mission
modernization-fo-
cused organizations
to leverage the skills
within the state and focus
efforts or building the stron-
gest team possible. Using the
Story by Mr. Daniel Szarek space and how it must be protected,” said Bryant. “This pre-established entities, while
JFH-MS Public Affairs Office day we will plant our flag and move forward in protec- implementing new
tion. One day, you will be showing your grandchildren technologies
President Donald Trump signed Space Policy Direc- this photograph.” through re-
tive-4 on Feb. 19, 2019, establishing the sixth branch Space is a key source of gaining a strategic advantage search
of the Armed Forces, the Space Force. On July 1, the and the United States cannot lag behind in the second and test-
Mississippi National Guard and state leadership made ‘space race,’ he said. Adversaries are acting to restrict ing, the
their own big announcement; the formation of the America’s access but Mississippi’s Space Directorate is Space
state’s first ever Space Directorate. determined to gain the advantage. The new directorate Direc-
During a ceremony at the INFINITY Science Center will establish a task force to conduct mission analysis torate will
in Pearlington, Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant in order to build techniques and procedures for future rely heavily on
general of Mississippi; Brig. Gen. Mike Nabors, assis- missions conducted by the MSNG. the task force to sup-
tant adjutant general – Air; and Col. Billy Murphy, vice “The task force will study the personnel, equipment port mission growth.
commander, 186th Air Operations Group, stood along- and training requirements for a wide variety of space Mississippi is one of only five
side Governor Phil Bryant as he signed Executive Order missions currently being conducted by the U.S. Air states with an established space
1445, establishing a Space Directorate in the Mississippi Force Space Command and Air National Guard,” said mission and the only state where
National Guard. Murphy, director of Mississippi Space Program. “The the National Guard, working with
“[President Trump] understood the importance of Mississippi Air National Guard is highly suitable to re- commercial and private enterprises, is
18 | Guard Detail Summer 2019 ms.ng.mil ng.ms.msarng.list.public-affairs@mail.mil | 19stuff to practice with,” Burr said. “But they don’t
technically make really good blades. You can get
them sharp and they look pretty, but they proba-
bly won’t hold an edge very well.”
Now Burr primarily uses leaf springs, from
automobiles, made of 5160 steel. They are com-
posed of iron, carbon and chromium. The chro-
mium gives it a little flexibility and helps in the
hardening process.
Much of his equipment is hand-me-downs; like
the anvil received from his uncle that belonged
to his grandfather, who got it from a steel mill he
worked for in Ohio. Other things were picked up
along the way. Burr says he does not have a lot
invested in the hobby currently, but is planning to
make larger purchases, such as belt grinders and
power hammers, sometime in the future.
To keep costs down, he sometimes even makes
his own tools. Made from two rods of rebar, the
first thing he crafted was a set of tongs for use
in the forge.
Self-taught, Burr said he still makes a lot of
mistakes. However, one thing he learned in the
Army is that each mistake is a lesson on how to
improve his craft. He continues to watch “Forged
in Fire” and picks up a few tips “here and there.”
He has also read books and watched instruction-
al videos on YouTube. Occasionally, he gets tips
from Derek Melton, a Clinton-based “Forged in
Fire” champion, whom he met once he took up
the craft.
“I’ve just been researching stuff like the differ-
On the Road to
ent kinds of materials and different techniques,”
he said. “The order of doing things is pretty im-
portant. I learned the hard way that you get it as
close to the dimensions that you want before you
quench it and it’s a little less time consuming to
finish it up.”
Damascus
Quenching is the rapid cooling of a workpiece
in water, oil or air to obtain certain material prop-
erties. A type of heat treating, quenching prevents
undesired low-temperature processes from occur-
ring and hardens the blade.
Eventually, he said he would like to learn more
advanced techniques, like Damascus. The Damas-
cus technique adds high carbon to the iron of the
metal to make a much stronger and durable com-
Story and photos by Sgt. Scott Tynes come up with one thing that we’ve always Top: A blade by Kevin Burr posite. It also often includes folding and forging
heats to temperature inside
JFH-MS Public Affairs Office wanted to do and haven’t done, and do it by the forge.
multiple layers of metal together.
the end of the year,” he said. “A lot of people “Right now, I’m still just kind of refining; mak-
It was a challenge issued during annual re- were saying they were going back to school Top Right: Burr quenches ing one out of a solid piece of steel,” he said. “I
a hot blade in oil after
siliency training that started a Soldier down or learning to play an instrument. Mine was forging the shape. The think next I’m going to do San Mai, which is hard
a path that would bring him great happiness (that) I’m going to make a knife by the end tongs were the first piece steel in the middle with some mild steel on either
and satisfaction while molding a skill. of December. It was pretty close. I finished he forged using two rods side of it. My plan is to use the leaf spring in the
of rebar
Inspired by the popular History Channel between Christmas and New Year’s.” middle and then mower blades on the sides.”
show, “Forged in Fire,” Master Sgt. Kevin The knife he made in December 2018 Bottom Right: Burr begins Burr said he spends as much time in his shop
Burr considered forging knives about two was a camp knife because it was relatively the shaping process on a as he can find, but it’s a time-consuming hobby.
lawn mower blade using a
or three years ago and began slowly accu- simple in design and could be crafted in one grinder. He can’t currently imagine competing on one of
mulating materials and equipment. Howev- piece from a lawnmower blade. his favorite shows in the near future because they
er, it was the Army resiliency class in Au- “I started with the mower blades because have to complete crafted blades in under three
gust 2018 that turned his vision into action. they are readily available and they’re a soft- hours and a completed knife within five.
“The instructor challenged each of us to er steel. They’re easier to work so it’s good “It takes me probably 10 to 15 hours right
20 | Guard Detail Summer 2019 ms.ng.mil ng.ms.msarng.list.public-affairs@mail.mil | 21BASIC MOTORCYCLE COURSE
MSNG Public Affairs
now from start to finish,” he said.
“I’m learning tricks and techniques
to speed the process up. But it real-
ly takes me weeks to do one because
I only work an hour here and there
and on the weekends off. It’s slow
and meticulous and paying attention
to what you’re doing. You can’t put
wood back on a handle and you can’t
put steel back on a blade.”
TRAINING COURSES BASIC TO ADVANCED
The patience and attention to detail
Jackson, MS
required are traits he learned in the
Army, Burr said.
“It’s just like going out and (per-
forming routine maintenance) on a
vehicle,” he said. “If you just go out
there and blow through it and don’t • Sept. 7 & 8
do a thorough job, you’re going to
get a quarter-mile down the road
Kevin Burr displays a pair of knives he made. The camp knife on the right was the first
knife he crafted in December 2018. • Oct. 12 & 13
and have a breakdown. But if you
take your time and do things right, police units for operations overseas. craft regardless of whether he stays
• Nov. 2 & 3
the way they’re supposed to be done,
you’ll have a quality product at the
He started his AGR career in 2005
with the 114th and later moved to the
active or retires.
“I don’t know if full-time knife-mak-
• Dec. 7 & 8
end.” 112th Military Police Battalion. While ing will support my mortgage, but
The end of a career is also on his there, Burr volunteered to mobilize it’s definitely something I’m going to
mind with about three years before with the 184th Sustainment Com- keep doing one way or the other,” he
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
he is eligible for an active duty retire- mand (Expeditionary) to Afghanistan said. “This is my happy place. I can
ment under the state’s Active Guard in 2010. He was home from that de- come up here and forget all about ev-
Reserve (AGR) program. ployment for about a month when erything else. The stresses of work
Burr enlisted in 1997 with the
114th Military Police Company and
the 112th was mobilized to Kuwait
for nine months. Once he returned
and everything else, they stay outside
so I can get in the zone. I can spend EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
deployed with them to Ft. Campbell, home, he transferred back to the hours and before I know it the whole
Ky., and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 114th as the readiness NCO for a few day is gone.”
2002. Twenty-three days after their re- years before taking his current job as • Boots
• Long Pants
turn from Cuba, they deployed again the operations NCO for 66th Troop
to Ft. Hood in 2003. The deployments Command.
were to replace active duty military Burr plans to continue refining his
• Long Shirt
• Gloves
• Helmet
* Contact Unit in Lieu of Drill,
along with DTS, Travel & Lodging
State Safety Office is sponsoring
the Basic & Advanced Motorcycle
Courses
These blades have just been quenched. The top blade still shows
some of22the
| Guard Summer
Detailthe
oil while bottom 2019
blade ms.ng.mil
has been cleaned.
CONTACT WAYLAND.J.HAMLIN.MIL@MAIL.MIL TO REGISTER.MSNG Public Affairs
COLUMBIA ARMORY
REOPENING
Maj. Gen. Janson. D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi, speaks during the grand
opening of the new Columbia Army National Guard Readiness Center July 13. The center
was destroyed on Dec. 23, 2014, by a tornado. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by
Sgt. Scott Tynes)
Columbia Mayor Justin McKenzie and Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of
Courtesy Photo Mississippi, cut the ribbon to officially reopen the Columbia Army National Guard Readiness
Center July 13. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Scott Tynes)
Story by Sgt. Scott Tynes James Barry the next day. of two stories that are accessible on each on. I was afraid I was going to get elec- tant general of Mississippi, said he was “This is what connects us to you, the
JFH-MS Public Affairs Office The weather had been worsening level because the lower floor is partially trocuted.” proud to continue the tradition of Colum- community,” he continued. “This is what
steadily the morning of Dec. 23, 2014. As buried in the natural terrain on the east- Today, First Sgt. Harrod is the opera- bia hosting a readiness center. connects us to the families and the busi-
Hurricane Barry was moving inland on he prepared to leave for the holiday, Sgt. ern side and exposed on the remaining tions NCO at the battalion headquarters nesses and the churches and the neigh-
July 14 as Soldiers and Civilians gathered 1st Class Donald Harrod, the readiness three sides. A rise on the eastern side, in Lucedale. He visited the new armory “There is a great legacy here borhoods that we represent when we put
to celebrate the reopening of the Colum- non-commissioned officer for Company complete with parking, offers easy ac- in June while final touches were still be- on this uniform to go overseas.”
bia Army National Guard Readiness Cen- A, 150th BEB, had his plans precipitous- cess to the building’s second floor and a ing made.
in Columbia with this armory. Following the tornado, Company A
ter, which had been destroyed by Hurri- ly changed at the time a tornado ripped landing that overlooks the assembly hall “It’s crazy,” he said. “It’s like walking This has always been an engi- moved to Camp Shelby Joint Forces
cane Katrina in 2005 and again by a large through Columbia. in the center of the structure on the first into the front office of a major corpora- neering unit. It’s been both Training Center to await the rebuilding
tornado in 2014. “It pulled half the roof off the drill hall,” floor. tion. It’s going to be a magnet for a long construction engineering and of their armory. Shortly thereafter, they
The irony was not lost on those in at- he said. “I dodged into the men’s room When Harrod emerged from his im- time for VIP visits.” deployed to Kuwait with the 155th Ar-
tendance and several speakers remarked and grabbed onto the pipes. It lifted the promptu shelter in 2014, he was faced Mayor Justin McKenzie agreed. He said combat engineering. Today, it’s mored Brigade Combat Team in support
about how timely the circumstances roof and set it back down. It happened with a nightmarish sight. The armory was it was the finest armory he had ever seen a combat engineering unit and of Operation Spartan Shield and returned
were. so fast. I’m glad it didn’t last any longer in shambles and ceiling tiles floated in the and he was proud it was located in Co- we’re very proud of the legacy home this past March. The reopening
“This was built to withstand high winds than it did or I would have had time to hallways. lumbia. we have here in Columbia.” was the first time Company A assembled
and to be a shelter we can use in case think about it – like in a hurricane. It was “It was like I was in a different place “All of the cities around are going to as a unit in Columbia since the tornado.
of state emergencies,” said Lt. Col. Paul very violent.” and time,” he said. “The hallway and drill be envious about this … and I’m ok with
Lyon, commander of the 150th Brigade Storm protection was worked into the hall were knee-deep in water and there that,” McKenzie said to chuckles from - Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles
Engineer Battalion (BEB). Lyon trans- design for the new $11.6 million, 43,400 were no lights. Then the generator did the audience.
ferred command of the unit to Lt. Col. square foot readiness center. It consists what it was supposed to do and came Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adju-
Adjutant General of Mississippi
24 | Guard Detail Summer 2019 ms.ng.mil ng.ms.msarng.list.public-affairs@mail.mil | 25and Russia, a collision between a Russian fighter jet and an
University of Mississippi Estonian airliner, and fears of further Russian aggression
against Estonia, a NATO member since 2004.
The leaders were expected to develop a draft approach to
the situation that would provide policy options to the U.S.
“The Mississippi National Guard Lecture Series is a
professional development program used to prepare
National Security Council. Some questions included how to
de-escalate the situation while also planning to successfully leaders to serve at all levels of command and key
staff help train next generation of Mississippi National Guard leaders deter or defeat Russian aggression, whom to engage interna-
tionally and for what, and the biggest concerns arising from
staff positions,”
the simulated conflict.
“The purpose of the simulation and event overall was to - Brig. Gen. Amos P. Parker
prepare Mississippi National Guard leaders for senior-lev-
el education opportunities … and to lead at the enterprise
level,” said Ken Pope, an instructor at the CISS, which was
founded in 2008. “We accomplished this by providing an
understanding of the various interagency departments and
agencies; how those agencies operate and work with one
another; and exercising critical thinking skills in a national
security simulation that required the participants to assume
the role of an interagency working group.”
The Estonia and Russia scenario was chosen due to its
complexity and the difficulty surrounding such a national
security challenge, Pope said.
“We designed the event and simulation specifically to
place the participants in the role of an interagency working
group tasked to develop an approach to address a complex
national security crisis,” he said. “The participants at this
stage of their careers have focused primarily on tactical and
operational problems. Very few have had exposure to stra-
tegic level or interagency level organizations.”
The leaders involved were Mississippi Army and Air Na-
tional Guard field grade officers, warrant officers and senior
non-commissioned officers preparing for professional mil-
itary education opportunities and senior leader command
and staff positions.
“The Mississippi National Guard senior leadership knows
MSNG Lecture Series 02-19 Group Photo, July 2019, Oxford, Miss. (Photo the importance of mentoring and training our next gener-
courtesy of UM Communications Department)
ation of leaders,” said retired Col. Chris Scott, Future Op-
erations program manager with the Mississippi National
Story by Shea Stewart pare military leaders for positions of ty’s ROTC program for the two-day event, Guard. “The (Guard) partnered with the University of Mis-
University of Mississippi Communications greater responsibility in Mississippi. which started with classes on July 12 in sissippi and the Center of Intelligence and Security Studies
“The Mississippi National Guard Lec- the ROTC building. Later in the day, in- to enhance our professional military education of national
The Mississippi National Guard leaders ture Series is a professional development structors and participants toured the Ole security and interagency processes. This partnership is im-
gathered at the University of Mississippi program used to prepare leaders to serve Miss Athletics facilities, including a tour portant to the development of our officers, warrant officers MSNG leaders participate in a Professional Military Education Lecture Series
and non-commissioned officers. We look forward to future at the University of Mississippi in July. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Lt.
recently, were nearly 5,000 miles away at all levels of command and key staff of the football program’s facilities con- Col. Deidre D. Smith)
from Estonia, but their minds for an af- positions,” said Brig. Gen. Amos Parker, ducted by former Ole Miss football play- training opportunities.”
ternoon were focused on the tiny Baltic Mississippi Army National Guard assistant ers Jordan Ta’amu and Dawson Knox.
country that looms under the shadows of adjutant general - Army. “The program in- The simulation was held the next day.
Russia. troduces the challenges that leaders face “This came about as a result of Days
The MSNG senior leaders, part of a at the national and state level as well as of Intrigue,” said Timothy Russell, direc- Senior leaders from the Missis- Mississippi builds leaders in their
new Guard leadership development pro- in the joint, interagency, intergovernmen- tor of the CISS, referencing the two-day
sippi National Guard toured the athletic program, among their
gram held July 12-13 on the UM campus, tal and multinational environments. The intelligence simulation held each spring
for UM students enrolled in the CISS
Manning Center, also referred coaching team and among the
were engaged in a national security simu- program (provides) opportunities to gain
lation titled “Russian Attempt to Fracture insights and a greater understanding of program. “We invited colleagues from to as the Indoor Practice Facility, players. Their leadership strate-
NATO in Estonia.” The simulation, with the volatile, uncertain, complex and am- the Guard to observe, and they ended up at the University of Mississippi gies and success stories offered
about 50 participants, was conducted by biguous environment we face every day.” inviting us to do something similar with in Oxford, July 12. Special co- a greater understanding and a
the university’s Center for Intelligence and “Our primary focus for this event (was) them.” ordination by Mr. Charlie Scott, different perspective that could
Security Studies, or CISS, which is part to provide our leaders with an under- On the morning of the simulation, Ole Miss Alumni, made the inspire MSNG leaders as they
of the national Intelligence Community standing of interagency processes in the Guard leaders were educated on the var- guided tour for MSNG leaders build leaders in their formation.
Centers of Academic Excellence program. development of national security policy ious U.S. intelligence agencies by CISS possible with special guests to (From Left: Jordon Ta’amu, Carol
Besides the simulation, the participants and how these agencies assist the pres- staff. After a brief history lesson on Es- host the tour; former Ole Miss Parker, Brig. Gen. Amos Park-
spent their two days on the UM campus ident in the formulation of national secu- tonia and its relations with Russia, the Football players, Jordan Ta’amu er, Dawson Knox, Charlie Scott,
involved in the leadership development rity policy.” Guardsmen were given a mock conflict,
and Dawson Knox. The tour Chris Scott, and Tulio Chirinos:
program designed by the Guard to pre- The Guard was hosted by the universi- including rising tensions between Estonia
presented a behind-the-scenes U.S. Army National Guard pho-
look at how the University of to by Lt. Col. Deidre D. Smith)
26 | Guard Detail Summer 2019 ms.ng.mil ng.ms.msarng.list.public-affairs@mail.mil | 27You can also read
