Photo By Spc. Doniel Kennedy | Staff Sgt. Kyle Figueroa, 25U (Signal Support Systems Specialist), assigned to Charlie...... read more read more
ERBIL, Iraq — Staff Sgt. Kyle Figueroa, 25U (Signal Support Systems Specialist), assigned to Charlie Company, 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, draws on his experiences from Ranger, Airborne, and Air Assault schools to lead Soldiers while deployed in a challenging operational environment.
Figueroa’s path in the Army has been shaped by a combination of family influence, rigorous training, and a commitment to professional growth. Inspired by his father, a retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 with a long Army career, Figueroa said he joined the military to follow in his footsteps while testing his own limits.
“The values instilled by my father and the discipline of the Army motivated me to pursue challenging paths like Ranger School, Airborne, and Air Assault,” Figueroa said. “Those schools taught me how to lead a team, often in difficult conditions, and how to accomplish missions with what you have.”
Ranger School, in particular, provided Figueroa with lessons on leading Soldiers he may not have known personally, relying on trust and clear communication to ensure mission success. “Ranger School teaches you to lead individuals regardless of who they are, knowing they are capable of executing their duties at the highest level,” he explained.
Currently serving as the acting NCOIC for his unit while deployed, Figueroa draws on those lessons daily. “Being under pressure but not showing it allows Soldiers to operate with confidence. Your energy and composure can make the difference between someone stepping up or holding back,” he said.
Figueroa is also preparing to commission as an officer, aiming to expand his leadership abilities while continuing to support Soldiers effectively. Reflecting on his enlisted experience, he said, “My time as an NCO has given me a perspective that will shape how I lead as an officer. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, and that experience will help me guide others in the future.”
Looking back on his deployment so far, Figueroa hopes to leave a lasting impact on the Soldiers he leads. “I want to ensure that, while we complete the mission, we also develop as leaders and help others grow. That’s how success is defined for me,” he said.
Off duty, Figueroa credits his family with keeping him grounded, saying their support allows him to focus on the responsibilities at hand. “Knowing the job I do out here allows other families to be safe and enjoy their time at home and that keeps me motivated,” he said.
Through a combination of rigorous training, practical experience, and personal dedication, Staff Sgt. Kyle Figueroa exemplifies the Army values of leadership, resilience, and commitment to mission and Soldiers alike.
| Date Taken: | 10.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 01.07.2026 06:20 |
| Story ID: | 553843 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 91 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Staff Sgt. Kyle Figueroa Applies Ranger Experience to Lead Soldiers in Iraq, by SPC Doniel Kennedy, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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