How many of you military retirees or prior service are in your individual State Guard? Not the National Guard.

Decided after retirement from the military, I would leave it at retirement and go on to do something else military related, but not "military" per se. So here I am! A DA Civilian!

Here is what it is all about in Mississippi.


SERVING WITH THE MISSISSIPPI STATE GUARD

The Mississippi State Guard (MSSG) is the constitutionally authorized State Defense Force of the state of Mississippi. Operating under the authority of the Mississippi Military Department, it is on an equal constitutional basis with the Mississippi Army National Guard, (MSARNG) and the Mississippi Air National Guard (MSANG). The Commanding General of the State Guard is appointed by the Adjutant General of the State of Mississippi, and answers directly to him. Further, all Commissioned Officer appointments and or promotions must be approved by the Adjutant General.

The Mississippi State Guard is an all-volunteer organization tasked with supplementing the forces of the Mississippi Army National Guard and/or Air National Guard upon the order of the Governor of the State of Mississippi through the Adjutant General of the State of Mississippi. While its primary mission is to assist in coping with any man-made or natural disaster, the MSSG trains to be ready to meet any assignment. As a State Guard Unit, it is not subject to any federal authority, with regard to assignment and/or control.

The Mississippi State Guard is most closely aligned with the traditional concept of 'state militia': members are volunteers, self-equipped (armed only under special circumstances, as defined in law), can only operate within the borders of the state, and are unpaid unless activated to assist or backfill the MSARNG.

1SG James A. "Bud" Parker, here's the info on the Tennessee State Guard:
"The Tennessee State Guard is the all-volunteer arm of the Tennessee Military Department. It is authorized by Tennessee Code Annotated 58-1-401.
The Tennessee State Guard, which is the all-volunteer arm of the Tennessee Military Department, is headquartered in Nashville and consists of approximately 500 personnel."

"The Mission of the Tennessee State Guard:
The purpose of the Tennessee State Guard is to provide a professional complement of personnel to support the State mission of the Tennessee National Guard, by assisting the Tennessee Army National Guard as a force multiplier, and at the direction of the Adjutant General, to assist civil authorities with disaster relief, humanitarian causes, ceremonial service, religious and medical support for the well being and safety of the citizenry of Tennessee."

When I retired from the USAR in MAY98, I considered joining the Tennessee State Guard, and even interviewed with them. I found it to be poorly organized, manned and equipped and decided I could better spend my time elsewhere. I hope things have improved since I interviewed with them!