The Ever Watchful Eye

Photo By Lt. Col. Christian Patterson | LTC Christian Patterson, APR+M Director of Public Affairs, Mississippi Military Department Jackson, Miss. Public Affairs Officer, Joint Force Headquarters, MSNG Jackson, Miss.  

JACKSON, MS, UNITED STATES

07.04.2017

Story by Lt. Col. Christian Patterson 

Joint Force Headquarters - Mississippi National Guard

Letter from the Editor
Guard Detail Magazine - Summer 2017

In late April 2017, I had the opportunity to hear Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, chief, National Guard Bureau, speak to the Guard’s state public affairs officers at Fort Meade, Maryland. Without acknowledging that a Mississippi representative was present, Gen. Lengyel mentioned almost immediately how he was closely watching our 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team and its progress towards executing an upcoming National Training Center rotation. It turns out he was one of many high level officials eagerly waiting to see how the unit would fair with the massive challenge in the midst of the new enhanced readiness posture.

For many Guardsmen, it may not be obvious that our force is the focus of so many watchful eyes throughout the state, nation, and worldwide. It’s really not a surprise, though. We have one of the larger Guard formations in the country with high profile units, missions, equipment, and training centers. While we have excelled collectively in the eyes of so many onlookers, it’s essential that we remain focused individually to preserve our status as one of America’s premiere National Guard organizations.

As Soldiers, Airmen, and prominent members in our communities, we must remember that our actions will always represent the Mississippi National Guard, both in and out of uniform. Our team must not overlook things like maintaining good order and discipline and setting the right example for our younger service members to follow. In short, future success will depend heavily on our collective resolve to implement and maintain high standards in all that we do. With the instantaneous impact of social media, poor judgment could reflect negatively on our organization and have lasting effects for years to come. Furthermore, we must attack those areas that ail us; physical fitness and military education completion. There are way too many physical fitness test failures and personnel who lack the necessary military education for promotion. Our viewpoint must continue where we see aiming for the minimum as taboo. We also shouldn’t forget the numerous intangibles, such as military courtesies and discipline. These issues are a severe threat to readiness and can push watchful eyes to divert opportunities from Mississippi to other states.

The next year will be huge for the Mississippi National Guard. More attention will be present as thousands of Soldiers and Airmen will deploy forward. Let’s impress those who’ll be watching, build on our culture of excellence, and show everyone what the Mississippi team can do!

Lt. Col. Christian Patterson, APR+M
Editor-in-Chief

• Date Taken: 07.04.2017
• Date Posted: 12.28.2017 13:05
• Story ID: 260523
• Location: JACKSON, MS, US