A Recruiting and Retention NCO for the Oklahoma National Guard, SGT Kevin Clayton joined the National Guard in December of 2017 and originally enlisted as an 11B or Infantryman. He was hired as a recruiter aide out of basic training in July of 2018. 

“During the time as an aide, I was attempting to go to Special Forces, and with the support of Recruiting and Retention battalion I was given the opportunity to attend SFAS twice. After my second failure, I applied for a position as a Recruiting and Retention NCO and was officially hired to that position as AGR in February of 2022,” said SGT Clayton. 

SGT Clayton said being a recruiter in the National Guard allows him to see the recruits develop into soldiers. 

“We are the first impression of this organization and through the Recruit Sustainment Program, we get to be their first impression of training as a soldier,” said SGT Clayton. “It is amazing to see when individuals blossom into the team players and future leaders of tomorrow, and to have such an involved role in making that happen.” 

Prior to joining the National Guard, SGT Clayton was an entry level stunt player for films being made in Texas. He as part of several small movies, reality television shows, a children’s series, music videos and a national commercial promotion. 

“I enjoyed the work, but I wanted to have a more meaningful impact on my community and was attracted to the education benefits I could receive as compensation. Since joining, I have fully committed to the National Guard and built my career within this organization,” said SGT Clayton. 

New troops today can expect to receive excellent benefits for becoming soldiers in the National Guard. From free college tuition and fees to leadership training, today’s soldier is more prepared for life in the military and the civilian world than ever before. 

“Every school in the Army National Guard is a leadership school at heart. Professionalism and leadership development is the driving force in every MOS, and from the very start, soldiers are exposed to leadership experience and training,” said SGT Clayton. 

In his free time, SGT Clayton said he enjoys exercising, spending time with his wife, biking and roller blading. On rare occasions he will pick up the guitar or play piano. 

“Family is the most important thing to me, so the goal of my free time is to make the most out of the time we have together,” said SGT Clayton.