Mississippi National Guard Implements Protective Measures Against COVID-19 While Meeting Training Milestones

The Mississippi National Guard is a ready and resilient force.  In an effort to maintain our readiness, we must complete training milestones to ensure we are prepared to respond at a moment's notice to any mission in support of our state and nation. The MSNG will host annual training at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center during the end of July through the month of August, hosting a total of approximately 7,000 troops on a rotational basis. "Mississippi is fortunate.  We are made up of talented men and women who are diversely qualified in our professions," said Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi.  "We are currently putting the right skillsets in place to assist with needs associated with COVID-19 testing, support to civil authorities during civil unrest, and support to MEMA [Mississippi Emergency Management Agency] during weather related events.  We train to be a ready force - ready to respond to missions in our communities, throughout our state, the nation and in missions overseas." The MSNG is implementing additional safety strategies to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 during annual training at Camp Shelby as well as readiness centers throughout the state.  Safety measures include daily screening of all personnel for temperature and potential symptoms of COVID-19.  Units are transitioning straight to a field-training environment to maintain social distancing while accomplishing essential annual training.  Increased hand washing stations or hand sanitizing stations are located at the entrances of buildings and high traffic areas. Units are increasing their cleaning regimen to ensure sanitation of high touch points such as restrooms and door handles in addition to their respective work areas.  Camp Shelby is ensuring proper protective equipment, such as facemasks, are worn in the garrison environment, including the Post Exchange and military clothing store.  Medical Command has an increased presence of support during this annual training season.  In the event that a Soldier presents symptoms of COVID-19, they will immediately be placed in a quarantine environment to minimize the threat of exposure to the remaining force. The MSNG is actively supporting the governor's COVID-19 Task Force and state agencies with testing site locations throughout the state.  The MSNG stands ready to respond to any mission in support of our state and nation to protect the citizens and the communities in which we serve.