Dear Editor,

This letter is a follow-up to the letter by CPT Pate Mirandawhich was printed in many state newspapers in February. The SecondBattalion of the Third Separate Infantry Brigade consists of thecounties in southwest Mississippi – Monticello and Tylertown westto the Mississippi River and the counties that U.S. Highway 84travels through to the Louisiana line.

At the present time, we are in need of volunteers to helprespond to disasters – natural and manmade. We need people from allwalks of life, especially if you are interested in helping othersin time of need. We need personnel in every town in southwestMississippi. Prior military service is not necessary, but it ishelpful. If you do have prior service, we can use people withofficer and enlisted grades. You will be recruited at yourfederally recognized rank and receive promotions based upon yourparticipation and background. Unless the governor or the adjutantgeneral calls you to active duty, there is no pay. You buy your ownuniforms and meet monthly drills – generally in Hattiesburg forpersonnel in this area. We also spend four days for Annual Trainingat either Camp Shelby or Camp McCain each year.

The training we take is taken from a Mission Essential Task Listapproved by the adjutant general’s office. Most of the subjects arecommunity oriented. The basic subjects are shelter management,Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, emergencyoperations center security, basic first aid, and search and rescue.We exist to help emergency management within the state ofMississippi in time of need. We work in cooperation with and at thedirection of the local officials. We are there to help and supplythe manpower they need to do their jobs more efficiently. We cannotbe called to go outside the borders of Mississippi.

Any ROTC and JROTC cadets that are considering a military careerand are not quite sure you want a rigid military discipline, theMississippi State Guard would be a good place to start. If you are18 years of age, you can sign up with the State Guard. Theadvantage you have is that there is no time limit. If you decide itis not what you want, you can leave with no questions asked.

If you want to contact me for more information, I can be reachedat keithreeves@telepak.net or (601) 833-5438.

LTC Keith Reeves,

deputy commander

3rd Separate Infantry Brigade

Mississippi Guard