KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets

Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office

Podcast of the Kentucky Army National Guard

  1. Jul 16 ·  Video

    KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 9 SFC Reid Smith-GTC

    In Episode 9 of Fix Bayonets, U.S. Army Sgt.1st Class Reid Smith, senior operations NCO for the Garrison Training Command, joins the program to share his insights on training, life and the mythical Alpha bivouac site. He also shares his expertise and knowledge about the training sites and capabilities around Kentucky. Host Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield, leads the discussion with Smith about the training opportunities and resources available across the Kentucky Army National Guard. Their conversation highlights how units at every level — from platoons to battalions — can maximize available training areas and resources to improve lethality, readiness and survivability. Smith also breaks down the unique capabilities and geographic advantages of our key training locations across the commonwealth, including: • Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville • Disney Training Center in Artemus • Hidden Valley Training Center in Stanton The episode also explores large-scale combat operations training tools and how Soldiers can better prepare for today’s operational environment through realistic, mission-focused training. To reach the GTC or find out more resources, email reid.s.smith2.mil@army.mil. More on our training centers here: https://ky.ng.mil/Home/Garrison-Training-Centers/. Visit the official website for more information on how each training site can be best utilized for your training event at http://whfrtc.ky.gov/. For information concerning home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: ng.ky.kyarng.list.j3-training-lno@army.mil Fix Bayonets! = Real stories from the Kentucky National Guard. Produced by: Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Location: Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky. Recorded and edited by: Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Crane Date Recorded: May 27, 2026

  2. Jul 15

    KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 9 SFC Reid Smith-GTC

    In Episode 9 of Fix Bayonets, U.S. Army Sgt.1st Class Reid Smith, senior operations NCO for the Garrison Training Command, joins the program to share his insights on training, life and the mythical Alpha bivouac site. He also shares his expertise and knowledge about the training sites and capabilities around Kentucky. Host Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield, leads the discussion with Smith about the training opportunities and resources available across the Kentucky Army National Guard. Their conversation highlights how units at every level — from platoons to battalions — can maximize available training areas and resources to improve lethality, readiness and survivability. Smith also breaks down the unique capabilities and geographic advantages of our key training locations across the commonwealth, including: • Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville • Disney Training Center in Artemus • Hidden Valley Training Center in Stanton The episode also explores large-scale combat operations training tools and how Soldiers can better prepare for today’s operational environment through realistic, mission-focused training. To reach the GTC or find out more resources, email reid.s.smith2.mil@army.mil. More on our training centers here: https://ky.ng.mil/Home/Garrison-Training-Centers/. Visit the official website for more information on how each training site can be best utilized for your training event at http://whfrtc.ky.gov/. For information concerning home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: ng.ky.kyarng.list.j3-training-lno@army.mil Fix Bayonets! = Real stories from the Kentucky National Guard. Produced by: Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Location: Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky. Recorded and edited by: Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Crane Date Recorded: May 27, 2026

  3. Jun 4 ·  Video

    KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 8: EPS List with MSG Meredith

    In Episode 8 of Fix Bayonets, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Michael Meredith, Kentucky’s Enlisted Branch Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, breaks down the Enlisted Promotion System and explains what Soldiers can do now to stand out, earn points, and put themselves in the best position for promotion. Dubbed a “hip-pocket podcast” by host Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield, this episode delivers practical guidance for Soldiers looking to maximize their opportunities for advancement. Meredith also reflects on his military career after enlisting in the Kentucky National Guard as a 42A in 2006, sharing how he’s progressed over nearly 20 years of service, including time serving with the 41st Civil Support Team as an intelligence analyst. In the second half of the episode, Meredith walks listeners through vacancy-based promotions, explains how the system works, and covers the differences between semi-centralized promotion boards for E-4 and E-5 Soldiers and centralized boards for E-6 and above. Whether you are preparing for your next board or building your future in the Guard, this episode offers insight to help you stay competitive and ready for promotion. For information concerning home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: ng.ky.kyarng.list.j3-training-lno@army.mil Fix Bayonets! = real stories and insights from the Kentucky National Guard. Produced by: Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Location: Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky. Recorded and edited by: Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Crane Date Recorded: May 8, 2026

  4. May 26

    KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 8: EPS List with MSG Meredith

    In Episode 8 of Fix Bayonets, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Meredith, Kentucky’s Enlisted Branch Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, breaks down the Enlisted Promotion System and explains what Soldiers can do now to stand out, earn points, and put themselves in the best position for promotion. Dubbed a “hip-pocket podcast” by host Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield, this episode delivers practical guidance for Soldiers looking to maximize their opportunities for advancement. Meredith also reflects on his military career after enlisting in the Kentucky National Guard as a 42A in 2006, sharing how he’s progressed over nearly 20 years of service, including time serving with the 41st Civil Support Team as an intelligence analyst. In the second half of the episode, Meredith walks listeners through vacancy-based promotions, explains how the system works, and covers the differences between semi-centralized promotion boards for E-4 and E-5 Soldiers and centralized boards for E-6 and above. Whether you are preparing for your next board or building your future in the Guard, this episode offers insight to help you stay competitive and ready for promotion. For information concerning home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: ng.ky.kyarng.list.j3-training-lno@army.mil Fix Bayonets! = real stories and insights from the Kentucky National Guard. Produced by: Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Location: Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky. Recorded and edited by: Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Crane Date Recorded: May 8, 2026

  5. May 26

    KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 7: SSG Ryan Hunter

    In Episode 7 of Fix Bayonets, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Hunter, a critical care flight paramedic with the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade, shares the experiences, challenges and lessons that have shaped him as both a Soldier and a leader. Hosted by Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield, the conversation dives into Hunter’s journey as a medic during deployments and how high-pressure situations helped shape his leadership style, resilience, and commitment to caring for others. Hunter also discusses the importance of training and preparedness, emphasizing the critical need for realistic, accessible training opportunities for medics and Soldiers alike. He speaks about his passion for helping others gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in demanding environments. Throughout the episode, Hunter highlights the mental side of military service — staying focused, adaptable, and ready for whatever mission lies ahead, whether in combat overseas or serving at home station. From leadership lessons to life-saving training and mental readiness, this episode offers an inside look at the mindset and dedication required to serve as a flight medic in the Kentucky Army National Guard. For information concerning home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: ng.ky.kyarng.list.j3-training-lno@army.mil Fix Bayonets! = Real stories from the Kentucky National Guard. Produced by: Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Location: Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky. Recorded and edited by: Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Crane Date Recorded: May 8, 2026

  6. May 15 ·  Video

    Fix Bayonets: The KYARNG G3 Podcast | Ep. 6: Renye to the Rescyue

    Fix Bayonets: The KYARNG G3 Podcast | Ep. 6: Renye to the Rescyue In Episode 6 of “Fix Bayonets,” U.S. Army Staff St. Ashley Renye with the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade, Kentucky Army National Guard, shares her firsthand account of a training turned real life rescue. Hosted by Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield, Renye recounts her experiences and lessons learned during her time in the military. During training for a recent deployment, Renye was forced to act quickly, delivering lifesaving care to a fellow Soldier in a critical moment—actions that may have saved his life. She later relied on those same skills to assist a NATO ally during another high-stakes incident. Their conversation explores the core principles of leadership, rapid decision-making, building trust within a unit, and preparing Soldiers for the realities of serving as a combat medic. Renye reflects on how these life-and-death experiences have shaped her approach to training and leadership, both in combat and throughout her continued service. For information concerning home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: ng.ky.kyarng.list.j3-training-lno@army.mil Fix Bayonets! = Real stories from the Kentucky National Guard. Produced by: Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Location: Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky. Recorded and edited by: Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Crane Date Recorded: April 15, 2026

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Podcast of the Kentucky Army National Guard