General Jim Anderson assumed the duties of Assistant Adjutant General - Army National Guard on October 1, 2006.  He is responsible to the Adjutant General for the daily coordination, supervision, training and resourcing of the Michigan Army National Guard.

General Anderson began his military career March 1972 when he enlisted in the MIARNG as a Private E-1 in Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment, 207th Engineer Battalion in Bay City, Michigan.  General Anderson was an administrative specialist and served in various positions within the Battalion Headquarters for 7 ½ years.  He earned the rank of Specialist Six.   In August of 1979 he attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Georgia.  He completed the OCS program and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in October 1979.  Since then he has held numerous company and field grade positions.  He commanded the 1435th Engineer Company for 5 years and left the 207th Engineer Battalion as the Executive Officer upon the Battalion's inactivation in 1992.  General Anderson went on to command the 507th Engineer Battalion.  He was promoted to Colonel December 2000 and commanded the 63rd Troop Command in Jackson, Michigan.

General Anderson was a resident student at the Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania and graduated June 2003.  On July 1, 2003 General Anderson was appointed as the Commander, Engineer Brigade 38th ID until March 1, 2004 when he was selected to be the Chief of Staff, Michigan Army National Guard. 

Up until his retirement from Michigan Public Education in February 2004, he was a traditional Guardsman and worked as an elementary teacher and principal for 32 years in Michigan public schools.

General Anderson earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Central Michigan University and a second Masters from the US Army War College.  He also completed the requirements in 2000 for a Doctorate of Philosophy from Michigan State University.

General Anderson's military awards include:  Meritorious Service Medal w/oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal w/oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal w/oak leaf clusters and Michigan Legion of Merit.