The Mississippi National Guard is closing 10 storefront recruiting centers — including the one in Columbus — as soon as possible and moving them to more secure locations.
Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Christian Patterson said the changes are coming after Gov. Phil Bryant issued an executive order saying the National Guard could increase security at its facilities.
The governor’s order Monday was in response to fatal shootings last week at military centers in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Storefront recruiting centers for the Army National Guard are in Flowood, Greenville, Southaven, Olive Branch, Columbus, Tupelo, Hattiesburg, D’Iberville and Gulfport. A separate Air National Guard center is in Hattiesburg.
Patterson says they will be moved to nearby military facilities, such as National Guard armories or Camp Shelby.
The Dispatch attempted to contact the Columbus location on Highway 45 North this morning but received no response.
Patterson says the Guard does not expect any dip in recruiting levels.
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