Scotia Resident Sybil Baker Promoted to Major in New York National Guard

Latham, NY (12/20/2024) — Major Sybil Baker, a Scotia resident, was promoted during a ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Baker, who joined the Army National Guard in 2011, is currently the New York Army National Guard mobilization branch chief.

Col. Mark Frank, the head of personnel for the New York Army National Guard, told Baker her promotion was well deserved.

In her remarks Baker, said she felt "a deep sense of honor and profound responsibility" in moving up to the rank of major.

"This rank is not just a patch on my uniform, but a testament to the countless hours of dedication, and the sacrifices made by my family, and the unwavering support of my fellow Soldiers," Baker said.

Baker enlisted into the New York Army National Guard in August 2011 as an officer candidate. she completed basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and then went on to complete Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

She entered the active guard reserve program in the Military Personnel Directorate in 2015.

She has served in staff positions in the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the 427th Brigade Support Battalion the 102nd Military Police Battalion, the 42nd Infantry Division, the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, and in the Recruiting and Retention Battalion.

She also served as a company commander and marketing officer for the recruiting battalion.

Baker deployed to Djibouti, Africa in 2022 as a human resource officer for Task Force Wolfhound, which conducted security missions at U.S. bases in the region.

She has responded to numerous state emergencies, including the Buffalo snowstorm of November 2014.

Her military education includes the Captains Career Course and is currently enrolled in the Army Command and General Staff College.

Baker holds a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Ashford University. A bachelor's degree in business management from Plattsburgh University.

Her military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

Baker lives with her husband Robert and her daughters Ryann and Isabelle. She also has two older children Alexander and Mackenzie.

Media Attachments