SGT James Barks

09/02/2026

CHECK THIS OUT!!!

I’ve spent the last several nights working on something new.

I built a website specifically for anyone who has questions about the Missouri Army National Guard and wants to learn more without feeling pressured to talk to a recruiter first.

You can use the website to see if you may qualify, compare college costs and education benefits, learn more about what the Guard has to offer, and contact me directly if you decide you want more information.

Whether you’re a high school student trying to figure out what comes next, a parent looking for answers, or someone who has considered joining but doesn’t know where to start, I built this to be a resource for you.

Check it out:

sgtjamesbarksmoarng.com

SGT James Barks
Missouri Army National Guard

This site is built to help Southeast Missouri students and families explore careers, education, service, and the real numbers behind their options.

08/26/2026

School is officially back in session across Southeast Missouri!

A new school year means new goals, new opportunities, and for a lot of juniors and seniors, some big decisions about what comes after graduation.

Whether your plan is college, trade school, starting a career, or you’re still figuring it out, now is a great time to start looking at all of your options.

The Missouri Army National Guard gives you the opportunity to serve part time while continuing your education or civilian career, gain valuable job experience, and earn benefits along the way.

I’m looking forward to being back in the schools this year, meeting new students, working with our athletes, and helping anyone who wants to learn more about what their options are after high school.

Have a great school year, Southeast Missouri! 🇺🇸

SGT Barks
Missouri Army National Guard

08/25/2026

I genuinely love what I get to do as a recruiter.

One day I might be sitting down with someone talking about what they want their future to look like. The next day I could be at a school, working out with a sports team, helping someone explore career and college options, working with Soldiers at RSP, or getting to be there when someone takes that next step toward becoming a Soldier.

That variety is one of my favorite parts of this job.

I get to meet people from all across Southeast Missouri, learn what their goals are, and show them opportunities they may not have known were available to them.

For some people, that means college. For others, it might be career training, learning a skill, serving their community, or finding a direction for what comes next.

More than anything, I want to be someone people feel comfortable coming to with questions and someone who genuinely cares about helping them figure out their next move.

I want to keep getting better, keep getting more involved in the communities I serve, and help as many people as I can along the way.

I genuinely love this job, and I’m just getting started.

If you’ve ever been curious about the National Guard, college benefits, careers, training, or what serving actually looks like, feel free to reach out.

Follow the page to see more of what the Missouri Army National Guard actually looks like here in Southeast Missouri.

08/24/2026

Had a great morning back at Twin Rivers working out with the Softball and Cross Country teams!

These athletes took on a full outdoor circuit workout and absolutely got after it. I always enjoy getting out with local teams and giving them a chance to train a little differently, compete with each other, and push themselves outside of their normal practices.

We also had four athletes earn themselves a Tactical Athlete shirt for standing out during the workout!

Payson Cunningham
Brooklyn Bader
Brody Blue
Will Parker

Thank you to Twin Rivers Softball and Cross Country for letting us come out and spend the morning with you. Y’all brought the effort!

08/20/2026

Join me in congratulating PVT Lilee Burnett on her enlistment into the Missouri Army National Guard as a 12B Combat Engineer! 🇺🇸

PVT Burnett is currently a senior at Neelyville R-IV Schools and is already taking a huge step toward building her future. After graduation, she plans to use the education benefits she earned through the National Guard to attend college and continue working toward her goals.

As a 12B Combat Engineer, she’ll learn valuable skills, take on new challenges, and serve her community and country while still being able to pursue her education.

Congratulations PVT Burnett, and welcome to the Missouri Army National Guard! 💪🇺🇸

08/20/2026

Had a great time at Twin Rivers this week putting the Lady Royals Volleyball team through a workout! 🏐💪

These girls brought the energy and gave 110% from start to finish. We pushed them physically, added some competition, and most importantly had a good time doing it!

A big congratulations to Lilly Oliver and Khloe King for earning Tactical Athlete honors! 🏆 They stood out during the workout and earned themselves a Tactical Athlete shirt.

Thank you to Twin Rivers Volleyball for having SSG Kuykendall and me out. Good luck to the Lady Royals this season! 🔥

08/10/2026

Ever wonder what the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) actually looks like?

This weekend, Area 5 had a blast at RSP!

We kicked things off with a light run before heading into three different training lanes, where Soldiers learned and practiced skills like reacting to contact and clearing rooms.

That evening, everything they learned was put to the test during our culminating event — PAINTBALL!

Each squad was tasked with clearing a building, working together, and finding hidden intel somewhere inside. They had to communicate, move as a team, and complete the mission.

After a full day of training, we wrapped up with a taco truck

Day 2 started with PT — ultimate frisbee — followed by breakfast and promotions before heading home.

RSP isn’t just about preparing you for Basic Training. It’s about learning Soldier skills, building confidence, working as a team, and getting a taste of what the National Guard is all about.
Missouri

08/03/2026

I’m James, and I’m a recruiter for the Missouri Army National Guard here in Southeast Missouri. But before that, I was just a 17-year-old kid trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.

Joining the Guard was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It gave me opportunities I never thought I’d have. I’ve traveled to places I never imagined I’d see, bought a home at 21, and built a career where I get to help other people every day.

I’m not here to tell everyone that the Guard is the right path. It’s not for everybody. But I do believe everyone deserves honest information before making a big decision.

That’s why I started this page.

You’ll see what we actually do during drill weekends, community events, RSP, and day-to-day life as Soldiers. I’ll answer questions, clear up misconceptions, and hopefully show that the National Guard is about a lot more than what most people think.

Outside of work, I’m a husband, soon-to-be dad, and someone who’s proud to call Southeast Missouri home.

Whether you’re thinking about joining, you’re a parent with questions, or you’re just curious about what the Guard is really like, I’m glad you’re here.