Training

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The Mississippi State Guard is authorized select awards from the Mississippi Military Department.

Awarded by the Commander, MSSG, to any member of the Mississippi State Guard for exceptional and meritorious service while in a position of duty of great responsibility or by unselfish and untiring activities, while in state service or in support of the Mississippi National Guard, has rendered a distinct service in furthering the security and welfare of the state.

Awarded by the Commander, MSSG, to any member of the Mississippi State Guard in recognition of outstanding service or extraordinary achievement to the State of Mississippi and the Mississippi State Guard, that was performed in such a manner that the mission of MSSG was impacted favorably. The service performed may be that of a single or sustained period or a single achievement beyond the normal call of duty.

Awarded by the Commander, MSSG, to any member of the Mississippi State Guard for meritorious service or meritorious achievement on behalf of the Mississippi State Guard.

Awarded to any member of the Mississippi State Guard in recognition of an individual’s achievement that would otherwise warrant awarding the Commendation Medal of which reflected credit upon the MSSG and themselves.

Awarded to any member of the Mississippi State Guard in recognition of outstanding service in the performance of the job duties as assigned. 

Awarded to any member of the Mississippi State Guard for every (2) years of honorable service in accordance with the MSSGR 600-1.  

Awarded to any member of the Mississippi State Guard for every (5) years of honorable service who have exhibited exemplary behavior, efficiency and loyalty to their unit and the MSSG in accordance with the MSSGR 600-1.

Awarded to any member of the Mississippi State Guard who participates in an approved joint training exercise, excluding cross training conducted during drill, with US Army, MS National Guard, Reserve components or other Government entities.  This award may also be awarded for completion of a mission that was not on State Active Duty (SAD) orders.  This mission must have been in support of the MS National Guard or other approved Government entities.

Awarded to any member of the Mississippi State Guard who aids in the growth of the MSSG mission by their extra service outside of regular drill or training during the MSSG training year. Examples of extra service include armory work days and recruiting events.  

This award is awarded for performing volunteer service to the civilian and military family community of a sustained or direct nature. Examples include youth programs such as Boy/Girl Scouts; hospital/blood drive volunteers; Meals-on-Wheels; homeless shelters; and local beautification projects. This award is also awarded for participation in MSSG approved volunteer events such as Veterans honor events and Military parades.  This award is recommended by the individual’s Battalion Commander to the Brigade Commander with a justification detailing the type of service performed encompassing a minimum of 8 (eight) hours performed.

Awarded to any member of the Mississippi State Guard who recruits two non-family members, remains active for at least one (1) year, and assists the individual through the complete onboarding process.

Awarded to Officers and Warrant Officers of the Mississippi State Guard upon successful completion of prescribed Officer PME courses, approved college, and other approved courses of study which clearly contribute to the professional development of the officer. This ribbon may also be awarded for approved developmental courses provided by other military services or Federal or State government agencies.

Awarded to enlisted members of the Mississippi State Guard upon successful completion of prescribed NCO PME courses, approved university, and other approved courses of study which clearly contribute to the professional development of the soldier. This ribbon may also be awarded for approved developmental courses provided by other military services or Federal or State government agencies.

Awarded to any member of the Mississippi State Guard who has been selected as the MSSG Officer and Warrant Officer of the Year.

Awarded to any member of the Mississippi State Guard who has been selected as the MSSG “Soldier of the Year” and “NCO of the Year”.

This Award may be given to any member of the MSSG by the Commanding General at any MSSG function or activity for exceptional performance. The ribbon may be awarded by the Commanding general as a “pocket award” or through recommendation by unit commanders. 

Awarded to MSSG Warrant Officers by the Command Chief Warrant Officer at any MSSG function or activity for displaying exemplary expertise in his/her field, and an exceedingly high performance in the execution of his/her duties with a high degree of technical proficiency.  This award may also be awarded to any member of the MSSG who greatly aids and contributes to the mission of the Warrant Officer Corps in the execution of their duties.  The ribbon may be awarded by the Command Chief Warrant Officer as a “pocket award” or through recommendation by unit commanders.

This Award may be given to any member of the MSSG by the MSSG Command Sergeant Major at any MSSG function or activity for exceptional performance. The ribbon may be awarded by the Division Command Sergeant Major as a “pocket award” or through recommendation by unit commanders.

MS State Guardsmen are authorized to wear the MSSGAM ribbon while they are members of the Mississippi State Guard Association. 

Awarded by the MSSG Commander. The MSSGOUC has been established to recognize a unit which has demonstrated exceptional meritorious performance. To be considered for this commendation, the unit must have displayed outstanding devotion and superior performance of duty, beyond that normally expected, either in a sustained period or in a specific set of circumstances. Service may involve special functions as a unit while on State Active Duty or during a MSSG Training Year having performed in such a manner as to reflect credit upon the State, the MSSG, and the unit itself. .