Mississippi's Adjutant General observes pre-mobilization training at Camp Shelby

HATTIESBURG, MISS. – Monday morning, Mississippi’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles and a couple members of the Mississippi’s state legislature visited Camp Shelby to watch the pre-mobilization training between the Mississippi National Guard’s 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team and First Army’s 177th “Spearhead” Brigade. Both teams met on the firing range to review helpful tips and techniques that could mean the difference between life and death.

“Army Chief of Staff, Mark Milley, said that when these young men and women go to war, go to conflict... It's not the army, it's not the battalion that goes to war. America goes to war,” Maj. Gen. Boyles said.

Lt. Colonel from the 155th Armored Brigade, Paul Lyon followed up Maj. Gen. Boyles comments by expressing his gratitude for the partnership between 155th and the 177th brigade. “We're one team working, we all wear the same uniform and we all want the same thing. Their assistance is invaluable to us,” Lyon said. During the training, Maj. Gen. Boyles instructed soldiers how they can use their skillsets to their advantage during the heat of war. “So, what they are doing here is they are bringing their skillsets from home… and applying their military skills,” Maj. Gen. Boyles said. Maj. Gen. Boyles wanted the soldiers to learn two concepts. “There are two skillsets. There's an offensive skillset, where they understand how to attack a target, and how to maneuver safely down in range,” Maj. Gen. Boyles said. “They're also learning defensive skills. What we call survive-ability. Where they have to dig a foxhole, and take and hold that position. So, they are learning those skills too.” Ultimately, sharping each other’s skills to make sure each soldier is ready to stand in the line of fire, which stands on the army's two principles readiness and partnership. More soldiers will transition to Fort Bliss, Texas in March for a validation exercise led by coaches and trainers from the “Spearhead” Brigade.