Paulin enlists in Missouri Army National Guard

Patricia M. Paulin of Desarc, Mo., has enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.

Paulin, 21, leaves soon for basic training at Fort Sill, Okla., where she will study the Army's mission, history, tradition and core values. She will also work on physical fitness and receive instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and receive bayonet training. Basic training is nine weeks.

Paulin will also learn drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, the military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercise.

Currently, Paulin is serving in the Recruit Sustainment Program's Echo Company, which is based in Cape Girardeau. There she is learning basic Army skills and values and becoming familiar with her new role as a Soldier in the Missouri National Guard.

"I wanted to really do something with my life," Paulin said. "I've never been outside the Annapolis or Desarc. So I'm really looking to see more of the world."

Paulin enlisted on April 20 and was recruited by Staff Sgt. Karla Threlkeld of the Missouri National Guard's Farmington office. Paulin is a 2008 graduate of South Iron R-1 High School in Annapolis. Her civilian employment is Townhouse Residential Care, where she works as a nurse's aide.

Upon completion of basic training, Paulin will continue on at Fort Sill for her advanced individual training where she will learn to become an Avenger crewmember. An Air and Missile Defense Crewmember is a member of the Army's air defense artillery team using the Avenger system.

The Avenger system is a lightweight, highly mobile and transportable surface-to-air missile/gun weapon system. It provides mobile, short-range air defense protection against air and land attacks.

Paulin joined under the Active First enlistment option, which allows her to begin her service with the full-time Army for 36 months. After that, Paulin will transition into her local Guard unit

Paulin is supported in her decision to join the Guard by her parents, Esther and Gary Rulo of Desarc.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.