KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets

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Fix Bayonets: The KYARNG G3 Podcast | Ep. 11: SGT Townsend & MREP Sep 21, 2026

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What happens when a Kentucky National Guard Soldier gets the opportunity to train alongside an allied military in Denmark? Find out in Episode 11 of “Fix Bayonets.” Host Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield sits down with U.S. Army Sgt. Rachel Townsend, a human resources specialist with the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Kentucky Army National Guard. Townsend shares her journey in the Guard, from stories of basic training to serving full time as a Title 32 technician working as the Burlington DEERS Site Security Manager. She also discusses her career as a Delta Air Lines flight attendant and her experience with the Military Reserve Exchange Program (MREP), which took her to Denmark for a unique international training opportunity. The MREP provides U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers the opportunity to temporarily train alongside partner and allied militaries, gaining firsthand experience, building relationships and learning from military forces around the world. In this episode, Townsend gives an inside look at her experience in Denmark, the challenges she encountered, the lessons she brought home and how opportunities like MREP help strengthen partnerships between the United States and its allies. From basic training memories to international military cooperation, Episode 11 offers a unique look at the many opportunities available to Soldiers serving in the Kentucky Army National Guard. “Fix Bayonets” — the official podcast of the Kentucky Army National Guard G3. Read more about the MREP here: https://www.army.mil/article/219756/military_reserve_foreign_exchange_program_boosts_interoperability_strengthens_partnership 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: August 21, 2026

KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 10: EL GATO-AT in Ecuador Sep 08, 2026

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In Episode 10 of Fix Bayonets, host Sgt. 1st Class Clay Benningfield sits down with U.S. Army Staff Sergeants Chay Burkhead and Scott Zelensky, military police Soldiers with the 940th Military Police Company, 198th Military Police Battalion, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Kentucky Army National Guard. The two discuss their journeys in the Kentucky Army National Guard, sharing stories from deployments, state active-duty missions, and their recent annual training rotation to Ecuador. They provide an inside look at working alongside international partners, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned while participating in one of the National Guard's largest training events in Ecuador. From memorable experiences to professional growth, this episode offers an authentic look at what it means to serve at home and abroad. For more information about our State Partnership Program partnership and missions to Ecuador, go to https://ky.ng.mil/Home/State-Partnership-Program/. 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: July 17, 2026

KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 10: EL GATO-AT in Ecuador Aug 18, 2026

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KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 9 SFC Reid Smith-GTC Jul 16, 2026

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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

KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 9 SFC Reid Smith-GTC Jul 15, 2026

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KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 8: EPS List with MSG Meredith Jun 04, 2026

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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

KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 8: EPS List with MSG Meredith May 26, 2026

Show notes

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

KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 7: SSG Ryan Hunter May 26, 2026

Show notes

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

Fix Bayonets: The KYARNG G3 Podcast | Ep. 6: Renye to the Rescyue May 15, 2026

Show notes

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

KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets | Ep. 6: Renye to the Rescyue May 04, 2026

Show notes

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: 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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