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: [email protected]

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

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: [email protected]

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

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: [email protected]

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

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 in the Active Guard Reserve.

For information concerning home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: [email protected]

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

In Episode 5 of “Fix Bayonets,” U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shea Moody, Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, shares his story of competing in the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition. Hosted by Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield, this episode covers Moody’s journey from training to winning the prestigious honor and title of Kentucky Army National Guard Non-Commissioned Officer of 2026. This conversation focuses on the key values of staying physically fit and mentally prepared to take on any task at hand, whether in combat or in competition.

For information concerning home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: [email protected]

Fix Bayonets! = Real stories from the Kentucky National Guard.

READ MORE: https://ky.ng.mil/News/Article/4444024/kentucky-names-2026-best-warriors/

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

In Episode 5 of “Fix Bayonets,” U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shea Moody, Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, shares his story of competing in the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition. Hosted by Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield, this episode covers Moody’s journey from training to winning the prestigious honor and title of Kentucky Army National Guard Non-Commissioned Officer of 2026. This conversation focuses on the key values of staying physically fit and mentally prepared to take on any task at hand, whether in combat or in competition.

For information concerning home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: [email protected]

Fix Bayonets! = Real stories from the Kentucky National Guard.

READ MORE: https://ky.ng.mil/News/Article/4444024/kentucky-names-2026-best-warriors/

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

In Episode 4 of Fix Bayonets, the conversation highlights the Kentucky National Guard’s State Partnership Program and its partner nation, Ecuador. Featuring U.S. Air Force Capt. Jason Sanderson, bilateral affairs officer to Ecuador, and Ecuadorian Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Flores, the episode dives into the significance of the partnership—how it impacts the Guard and what it means to them on a personal level. Hosted by Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield, the discussion brings together stories from their recent trip to Kentucky, insights into each nation’s food and culture, and personal experiences that connect the two leaders. At its core, this episode showcases the values of partnership, leadership, and friendship.

For information on home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: [email protected]

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: March 13, 2026

In Episode 4 of "Fix Bayonets," we take you inside the 30-year partnership between the Kentucky National Guard and Ecuador.

Join host Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield as he speaks with Ecuadorian Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Flores and U.S. Air Force Capt. Jason Sanderson about the history and significance of this enduring relationship, managed by the National Guard Bureau as part of the Department of War's State Partnership Program (SPP).

Discover how this powerful collaboration has fostered shared experiences and built strong bonds between the two forces. The discussion delves into the exciting opportunities available through the SPP, including subject matter expertise exchanges in a wide range of fields.

These exchanges cover everything from military police, air operations, and medical operations to cyber defense and logistics, strengthening both partners, enhancing international cooperation, and promoting regional security.

For information on home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: [email protected]

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: March 13, 2026

In Episode 3 of “Fix Bayonets,” U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Casey Cooper, operations sergeant major for the 75th Troop Command, Kentucky Army National Guard, shares his firsthand account of small-unit combat operations during the 2005 Battle of Salman Pak (Also referred to as the Palm Sunday Ambush) in Iraq.

Hosted by Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield, Cooper recounts his experiences and lessons learned during one of the National Guard’s largest firefights of the modern era.

As call sign “Raven 42,” then a Specialist, Cooper identified—through after-action reviews—adhered to tactics, techniques, and procedures that enabled his unit to operate effectively under intense combat conditions and a high-stress deployment.

This conversation focuses on the key values of squad-level leadership, rapid decision-making under fire, developing trust within the formation, and preparing Soldiers for the realities of close combat. Nein reflects on how those life-and-death moments shaped his approach to training and leadership both in combat and throughout his continued service.

For information concerning home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: [email protected]

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: Feb 5, 2026

KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 3: The Battle of Salman Pak Pt. 2

In Episode 3 of “Fix Bayonets,” U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Casey Cooper, operations sergeant major for the 75th Troop Command, Kentucky Army National Guard, shares his firsthand account of small-unit combat operations during the 2005 Battle of Salman Pak (Also referred to as the Palm Sunday Ambush) in Iraq.

Hosted by Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield, Cooper recounts his experiences and lessons learned during one of the National Guard’s largest firefights of the modern era.

As call sign “Raven 42,” then a Specialist, Cooper identified—through after-action reviews—adhered to tactics, techniques, and procedures that enabled his unit to operate effectively under intense combat conditions and a high-stress deployment.

This conversation focuses on the key values of squad-level leadership, rapid decision-making under fire, developing trust within the formation, and preparing Soldiers for the realities of close combat. Nein reflects on how those life-and-death moments shaped his approach to training and leadership both in combat and throughout his continued service.

For information concerning home station training resources, please contact the J3 Training LNO at: [email protected]

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: Feb 5, 2026