Mississippi State Guard
James Mathews is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in military and educational roles. Currently serving as Battalion Commander of the 120th MP Battalion with the Mississippi State Guard since 2012, James is Military Police qualified and has previously commanded the 110th MP Battalion. In addition, James has been a coach for Cross Country and Track and Field at Northeast Lauderdale High School since 1989. From 2002 to 2013, James acted as the webmaster for the website mstrackxc.com, supporting Middle School and High School athletic programs in Mississippi. James is a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving as a Major and Air Weapons Controller from 1971 to 1993. Academically, James holds a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Biology from The University of West Alabama, a Master in Public Administration from Golden Gate University, and a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Livingston University, now known as the University of West Alabama.
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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 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 MSNG.