Ryan Sigler is a student-athlete at El Reno High School where he plays football and wrestles for the Indians. He’s also one of the newest recruits for the Oklahoma Army National Guard.
Sigler said he has always known he wanted to join the military, but finding the right branch was important.
“I’ve wanted to join the military since I was a little kid but was unsure of which branch. I chose the National Guard because it offered a lot of opportunities to further my career in the U.S. Army and in regular life,” said Sigler.
With family members who have served in the past, Sigler was comfortable and familiar with the National Guard thanks to his grandfather.
“My grandfather was retired from the Air National Guard and my cousin just retired from the Air force,” said Sigler. Like every soldier before him, Sigler had to go through the recruiting process and take the required test for entry into the National Guard.
“My recruiting process was very smooth and quick. Sergeant First Class Green was very helpful and informative to get me set up with what I want to do,” said Sigler.
Sigler then attended basic training during the summer and said it wasn’t as bad as some of the stories he had heard.
“I went to basic training this past summer in between my junior and senior year. It honestly wasn’t too bad physically but mentally it was a bit harder,” said Sigler.
Now he awaits his date for AIT (Advanced Individual Training) school. “Once I return from AIT, I will be a combat engineer,” said Sigler. “After I graduate, I plan on attending Oklahoma State University or the University of Central Oklahoma.”
Sigler said he plans on using his educational benefits the National Guard will provide him and he does plan on making the military a full career. Serving his country and state is something Sigler is proud to do.
“I love that I’m a part of something much bigger than myself, that I’ve been blessed enough to be able to serve and protect,” said Sigler. “I would advise them to keep an open mind, ask as many questions as they want, and come to a drill weekend just to see what it’s about.”
In his free time Sigler said he enjoys going to the gym, working on his school work and playing video games.
