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Mississippi Magnolia GOLD wraps inaugural year

Photo By Lt. Col. Andy Thaggard | Spc. Terry C. Jackson, standing second from right, 184th Sustainment Command,...... read more read more

CAMP SHELBY, MISSISSIPPI, UNITED STATES

06.04.2015

Courtesy Story

102d Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP SHELBY, Miss. - Students from five Mississippi community/junior colleges and one university completed the inaugural year of a new leadership program developed and taught in association with the Mississippi Army National Guard.

“We came up with the idea of starting what we called the Mississippi Magnolia GOLD (Guard Officer Leadership Development) program, which is an ROTC-like program at all of our junior colleges across the state,” said the adjutant general of Mississippi, Maj. Gen. Augustus L. Collins. “We experimented, had some pilots (programs) in the fall and spring semester this year, and our plan is to expand into all of our community colleges in junior colleges in the fall 2015.”

The Magnolia GOLD program is designed to immerse students into a military environment that focuses on leadership development, and the curriculum is comparable to that of first or second-year military science classes at universities.

It is open to all students, military and civilian, with no military obligation. For those interested in continuing into military career, financial aid and incentives are available once they become a member of the Guard.

The program was phased in at Jones, East Mississippi, Hinds, Northeast, Pearl River Community/Junior Colleges; as well as Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), who recently lost its ROTC program.

A total of 117 students enrolled in Magnolia GOLD, with 64 civilians and 53 military members. Enrollment was led by MVSU with 37 students, followed by Hinds at 25 students. Military members had a 96 percent retention rate.

The capstone event is a two-week annual training period, held this year May 14-30 at Camp Shelby. All 34 participants this year were already Soldiers in either the Mississippi Army National Guard or in the Army Reserve. Program leadership is evaluating how civilians can participate next year.

Annual training focused on events designed to help Soldiers not only become better leaders, but also generally better Soldiers. Events included a tactical combat course, combat lifesaver course, land navigation, a squad training exercise, and a staff ride designed to study leadership during the Vicksburg Campaign of the Civil War.

Spc. Terry C. Jackson is an information technology specialist with the Mississippi Guard’s 184th Sustainment Command. He is also student at Jones County Junior College. “We help a lot on campus, like at basketball games and football games.

“We also have a class (with) some people that aren’t in the military, so we teach them courtesies and customs that the Army has. Everybody needs a look at what we do so they can fully appreciate the hard work and dedication it takes.”

Of the 34 Soldiers attending annual training, 27 intend on becoming an officer in the Guard, four will remain enlisted, and three are considering the best path for them into the Army Special Forces.

Representatives from Copiah-Lincoln, Jones, and East Mississippi visited the Magnolia GOLD program during annual training.

“The Magnolia GOLD program is a good course for any person, because you're going to learn all the skills needed in society in the workplace. Even if you don't go into the military, employers are looking for these traits: For good character, leadership, discipline, focus, can you accomplish a mission, can you listen to supervision, show respect,” said Linda Gates, the district director of job placement, workplace learning, and military liaison for East Miss. Community College.

Asked about the program’s impact on campus life, Gates said, “We think that they are superb role models, and we think patriotism, citizenship, leadership, teamwork, good work ethic, and character, I mean this is what the Guard exemplifies. So we think having a (military) instructor (on campus) and having our students see them as role models is nothing but the best opportunity for us.”