Colonel Ryan Barnett Earns Masters At Naval War College

Colonel Ryan D Barnett accepts a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval College in Newport, Rhode Island. Making the presentation during a June 10 ceremony is Rear Admiral Shoshana S. Chatfield, 57th president of NWC.

Photos provided

Colonel Ryan D. Barnett recently graduated from the prestigious United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, with a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

This accomplishment marks 22 years of dedicated active duty service.

Simultaneously, Col. Barnett and his family will relocate to Louisiana, where he will assume command of the 3rd Brigade “Patriots” of the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Polk.

Pictured are Colonel Ryan D. Barnett with his family, wife April Leroux Barnett, daughter Victoria, 13, son Ryan “JR”, 15 and the family’s pet Leia Mae.

He will begin his new duties on July 12.

The colonel’s wife, Doniphan native April Leroux Barnett, says this will be the twelfth move for the family since her husband was commissioned as an Engineer Officer from Arkansas State University, back in 1999. He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from ASU.

April Barnett, who at the present time is busily preparing for the cross-country move, commented, “All military families have a unique ability to adapt to their new surroundings with ease and acceptance.” She and the colonel are the parents of two teens, Ryan “JR”, 15, and Victoria, 13.

While the Barnetts anticipate the next new adventure, they will leave Rhode Island at the end of a very meaningful and gratifying 10 months.

April describes, “The unique camaraderie among [military] families is timeless,” fostered she says, “by a shared understanding and appreciation of those who sacrifice. This creates a strong bond that joins us together.”

NWC is unique in that its students have come from more than 137 countries worldwide. Acceptance into NWC is largely based on professional performance. Candidates are senior officers ranking 05-06 that are selected for promotion in the Army ranks to Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel, or in the Navy ranks, Commander and Captain.

The Navy also offers a mid-level course for Army Majors or Navy Lieutenant Commanders to attend the college of naval warfare, where they can complete Joint Professional Military Education (JPME I) requirements and receive a Masters of Arts degree in Strategic Studies.

Over his 22-year career, Colonel Barnett’s duty has taken him all over the United States, and on deployments to Germany, Kosovo, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan (where he served in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2018-2019 and 2021).

He is highly decorated, having four times been awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Additionally, he has four Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals granted to soldiers exhibiting consistent acts of heroism or meritorious service, and three Army Achievement Medals.

The colonel also has earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault Badge.

He was promoted to colonel in January of 2021.

April, previously a US Army government employee, has devoted her time to various volunteer positions with the US Army as well as non-profit organizations focusing on the morale and welfare of soldiers and their families.

She is the daughter of Freddie and Roxanne Leroux of Doniphan.