Show Notes
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 [email protected].
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: [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 27, 2026
More from KYARNG G3 Podcast: Fix Bayonets
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.