Oklahoma guardsman experiences first deployment in Afghanistan

Photo By Spc. Leslie Goble | Spc. Josh J. Arias from Canton, Okla., of Company B, 1st battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, poses for a picture in front of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle July 2.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

07.02.2011

Story by Spc. Leslie Goble 

45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

BAGRAM, Afghanistan – Joining the military during a time of war is a hard decision for anyone. But despite U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, Spc. Josh J. Arias of Canton, Okla., decided it was the choice for him.

“I knew from when I was a kid I wanted to join the military,” said Arias, grenadier for Company B, 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 45th Infantry Division, Task Force Thunderbird. “Everyone from my home town knew I wanted to join the military.”

Arias is currently on his first deployment since he joined the National Guard right out of Canton High School at the age of 17.

At home, Arias is a student at South Western Oklahoma State University where he studies to become a lawyer. In his free time, he likes hog hunting and fishing.

“I’m from a lake town, so I enjoy being outdoors,” said Arias.

“I figure when I get back, I can finish up school, or I can do what I do full-time,” Arias said referencing his desire to go active duty. “If I do that, I’ll put my 20 years in and be done by 37 or 38, since I joined when I was 17.”

“I think that if I stay with the military, I’ll have plenty of time to get a degree,” said Arias.

Arias said he has big aspirations for the military. He set his eyes on some of the most elite forces, in particular, the U.S. Special Forces. This deployment could very well give Arias the experience needed to help him make a career decision.

“I’ve wanted to join the SF for a long time now,” said Arias. “One reason is how I look up to a man in my town named Foster, an ex-Navy SEAL.”

“I knew that Arias was a great soldier because he was always willing to learn,” said Sgt. Wes Banks a team leader in Company B, 1st Battalion, 179th Inf. Regt. “When they were handing out schools, he volunteered for just about every one.”

Arias completed every school he volunteered for, including a 200-hour Dari class. Dari is the predominant language of Afghanistan.

• Date Taken: 07.02.2011
• Date Posted: 10.23.2011 06:18
• Story ID: 78875
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF