The Adjutant General of Mississippi (TAG), Major General Bobby Ginn, serves as the executive director and is subordinate to the Commander-in-Chief, the Governor of Mississippi, in matters relating to the department and the state militia forces.

The Adjutant General of Mississippi, via the Mississippi Military Department, is expressly authorized to "issue such orders, rules and regulations as may be necessary in order that the organization, training and discipline of the components of the militia of this state will at all times conform to the applicable requirements of the United States government relating thereto.

Orders, rules and regulations issued hereunder shall have full force and effect as part of the military code of this state".

[2] The state militia forces formally break down into three broad classes: The Mississippi National Guard (MSNG), the Mississippi State Guard (MSSG), and the unorganized militia.

When National Guard troops are called to federal service, the President serves as Commander-in-Chief.

The SDF comprises retired active and reserve military personnel and selected professional persons who volunteer their time and talents in further service to their state.