Mississippi State Guard
Russ Jones possesses over 30 years of extensive media experience and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Communication at Liberty University, focusing on the impacts of digital technology on human behavior and related areas. At Liberty University, Russ serves as an Adjunct Professor and Media & Culture subject matter expert. As an Executive Producer at Abide since 2019, Russ has contributed to the development of content with a small creative team. Additionally, Russ holds the rank of Major and serves as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Planning in the Mississippi State Guard. Previous roles include producing and hosting a nationally syndicated radio program for the Family Research Council, operating as a consultant for various media outlets, and co-founding organizations focused on media outreach and guest booking. Educational qualifications include a BES in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MDiv in Christian Theological Studies from Saint Paul School of Theology.
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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.