Guest: MG Raymond F. Shields Jr., New York Adjutant General

In this powerful episode of the Three Tenets Podcast, host Caly Allen sits down with Major General Raymond F. Shields Jr., the 54th Adjutant General of the New York National Guard. With over four decades of service, MG Shields offers a wealth of insight into leadership, readiness, and the future of the Guard.

From his strategic objectives since taking command in 2018 to the innovative ways New York is setting the standard for recruiting and retention nationwide, MG Shields shares firsthand how his team is navigating today’s challenges and preparing for tomorrow’s missions.

Topics include:

How New York leads the nation in recruitment success

Adapting to today’s recruiting climate and overcoming obstacles

Aligning with the Director’s focus on growth, transformation, and readiness

Enhancing capabilities with new facilities, like the Troy maintenance shop

Evolving Guard partnerships in emergency response and homeland defense

Career advice for young Soldiers aiming for leadership roles

What’s next for the NYARNG—and what it means for the nation

Whether you're a recruiter, a leader, or a future Guard member, this episode is packed with inspiration, strategy, and straight talk from the top.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media and subscribe to the Three Tenets Newsletter for more updates. Stay tuned for next month’s episode and another great guest!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARNG.SMTB/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arngsmtb

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/arngsmtb

Join the Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com

Welcome to the Three Tenets Podcast out of The National Guard Strength Maintenance Training Battalion. We are back with your host Caly Allen along with the special guest of the episode, SFC Lewis Swartz.

In this month’s episode, we sit down with SFC Lewis Swartz—Army National Guard RRNCO, Drill Sergeant, and the creator behind the popular YouTube channel Team Swartz. With over 20 years of recruiting experience, SFC Swartz has built a loyal following by delivering in-depth content that guides prospective Soldiers through the enlistment process and prepares them for Basic Training.

We explore how he leverages long-form video content to build trust, answer complex questions, and connect with audiences beyond the typical 30-second clip. Swartz also shares how his RRNCO skillset—especially communication, mentorship, and authenticity—translates into digital success and strengthens his recruiting mission. Whether you're a RRNCO, content creator, or leader looking to engage your audience more effectively, this episode offers practical insights into using long-form content to inform, inspire, and lead.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARNG.SMTB/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arngsmtb

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/arngsmtb

Join the Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com

Team Swartz: https://www.youtube.com/c/teamswartz

Welcome to The Three Tenets Podcast, presented by the National Guard Strength Maintenance Training Battalion!

In this episode, Caly Allen sits down with SFC Jordan Jones, author of the guidebook Holos. SFC Jones shares valuable insights on managing stress in high-pressure roles like Recruiting and Retention NCOs. A member of the 20th SFG (A), 18D, SFC Jones recently spoke at the National Guard Professional Education Center on critical issues like addiction, suicide, and divorce rates. His mission is to foster a healthier force, promoting both the quality and longevity of life, both in and out of uniform.

Tune in to hear from SFC Jordan Jones!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARNG.SMTB/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arngsmtb

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/arngsmtb

Join the Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com

Holos Guidebook: https://www.amazon.com/HOLOS-Operator-Performance-Optimization-Wellness/dp/B0DQYTDPBJ

Welcome to The Three Tenets Podcast, brought to you by the National Guard Strength Maintenance Training Battalion!

In this episode, co-hosts Richard Friend and Caly Allen sit down with SFC James Reyes, a 79T RRNCO with extensive experience in recruiting and retention. SFC Reyes previously served as the Marketing NCO for the Hawaii Army National Guard before transitioning back into an RRNCO role. Recently, he graduated from the Recruiting and Retention Section Chief Course at SMTB and will soon assume the role of Section Chief.

As a former RRNCO, SFC Reyes was a two-time recipient of the Director's 54 award for the state of Hawaii. Join us as he shares his insights on the evolving landscape of recruiting and retention, as well as ways Marketing NCOs can enhance their strategies at the state level.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARNG.SMTB/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arngsmtb

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/arngsmtb

Join the Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com

Hawaii Social Media: @hi_armynationalguard

Welcome to The Three Tenets Podcast, brought to you by the National Guard Strength Maintenance Training Battalion! This episode, co-hosts Richard Friend and Caly Allen sit down with a distinguished guest—LTG Jonathan (Jon) M. Stubbs, the 23rd Director of the Army National Guard.

LTG Stubbs dives into his leadership philosophy, principles, focus areas and the seven operating imperatives guiding his tenure. He shares how his experiences in the Army National Guard have shaped his approach and why recruiting, retention, and attrition management—the three tenets—are at the forefront of his mission.

Join us for an insightful conversation on leadership, service, and the future of the Army National Guard. Don't miss it!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARNG.SMTB/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arngsmtb

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/arngsmtb

Join the Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com

Welcome to the Three Tenets Podcast out of The National Guard Strength Maintenance Training Battalion. We are back with your favorite co-hosts Richard Friend and Caly Allen along with the special guest of the episode, MSG Christopher Larsson.

MSG Larsson shares his knowledge as the 79T Proponent NCO, including what goes into an RRNCO’s 79T conversion packet as well as the vetting process. During the interview, MSG Larsson also shares his learning experience and advice from being an instructor and Chief of Training Development while at SMTB. Listen to learn more about his story.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARNG.SMTB/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arngsmtb

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/arngsmtb

Join the Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com

MSG Larsson: [email protected]

Welcome to the Three Tenets Podcast out of The National Guard Strength Maintenance Training Battalion. We are back with your favorite co-hosts Richard Friend and Caly Allen along with the special guest of the episode, SSG Brandon Jacoby.

SSG Jacoby, also known as SGT Knucklehead, shares his story on becoming SGT Knucklehead and how he has grown his platform over the last few years. During the interview, SSG Jacoby gives insight of how to be a successful RRNCO on social media as well as what he has planned for the future. Listen to learn about his guard story and growth as a social media influencer and RRNCO.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARNG.SMTB/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arngsmtb

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/arngsmtb

Join the Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com

SSG Jacoby Social Media: @sgtknucklehead

Welcome to the Three Tenets Podcast out of The National Guard Strength Maintenance Training Battalion. We are back with your favorite co-hosts Richard Friend and Caly Allen along with the special guest of the episode, Strength Readiness Support Center (SRSC) Chief, CPT Caroline Pirchner.

CPT Pirchner shares what SRSC can do for the Recruiting and Retention Force. During the interview, she gives insight of how SRSC can be utilized to better benefit the 54 states and territories. Listen to be the first to hear of upcoming SRSC announcements.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARNG.SMTB/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arngsmtb

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/arngsmtb

Join the Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com

CPT Caroline Pirchner: [email protected]

SRSC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ARNGVIDEO-SRSCSRSC

Ordering Site: https://smms.ngb.army.mil/v3/SMMS/smmsmenu.aspx

Welcome to the Three Tenets Podcast out of The National Guard Strength Maintenance Training Battalion. We are back with your favorite co-hosts Richard Friend and Caly Allen along with the special guest of the episode, SSG Georgia Varoucha.

SSG Varoucha, also known as @njrecruiter or @itsgteam, shares her story of growing up Greek in the United States and how her life led into enlisting into the Army National Guard. During the interview, SSG V gives insight of how to be a successful RRNCO on social media by turning a lead into an enlistment. Listen to learn about her guard story and growth as a social media influencer and RRNCO.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARNG.SMTB/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arngsmtb

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/arngsmtb

Join the Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com

SSG Georgia Varoucha Social Media: @its_gteam or @njrecruiterGuard

2 Guard Podcast available on all podcast platforms

Welcome to the first podcast straight out of the National Guard Strength Maintenance Training Battalion. Meet your co-hosts Richard Friend and Caly Allen along with the special guest for the inaugural episode, SFC Octavia Chambers.

SFC Chambers enlisted at 17 into the Georgia Army National Guard and is currently Title 10 serving as a 79T Instructor at the Non Commissioned Officer Academy (NCOA) at SMTB. During the interview, SFC Chambers discussed the Army’s COOL Program (Credentialing Opportunities On-line). This program helps service members find information on certifications and licenses related to their job and civilian career. There are 9 credentials offered under the 79T MOS. Listen to learn about her guard story and growth at SMTB.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARNG.SMTB/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arngsmtb

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/arngsmtb

Join the Guard: https://www.nationalguard.com

Army COOL Program: https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/index.html