Sergeant First Class (SFC) Joshua Crabtree joined the Tennessee Army National Guard on June 27, 2007. He currently serves as the On-Campus Recruiter for East Tennessee State University, where he works with students interested in serving in the Tennessee Army National Guard while pursuing their education. He also works alongside the ETSU Army ROTC program to help students explore opportunities for military service, leadership development, and commissioning as Army Officers.

SFC Crabtree began his military career as a 91B, Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. Throughout his career, he has served in positions of increasing responsibility, including Motor Sergeant and Recovery NCOIC. These assignments allowed him to lead Soldiers while overseeing maintenance and recovery operations and ensuring the readiness of personnel and equipment.

In 2009, SFC Crabtree deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, returning in 2010. In 2018, he deployed to Poland in support of U.S. Army operations in Europe. Throughout his career, he has also supported multiple state and CONUS missions, serving the citizens of Tennessee and supporting military operations throughout the United States.

After more than a decade serving in maintenance and leadership positions, SFC Crabtree transitioned into recruiting in 2020. As a Tennessee Army National Guard recruiter, he has worked throughout Northeast Tennessee and the Tri-Cities region, developing relationships with students, families, educators, counselors, JROTC programs, and community leaders. He has helped young men and women begin their military careers while pursuing opportunities for education, professional development, and service.

In May 2026, SFC Crabtree was selected to serve as the Tennessee Army National Guard On-Campus Recruiter at East Tennessee State University. In this position, he serves as a direct connection between ETSU students and the Tennessee Army National Guard. He works closely with ETSU Army ROTC and the university community to help students understand how National Guard service can complement their education and long-term career goals. He takes particular pride in mentoring future Soldiers and leaders and continuing to support them after they begin their military careers.

Military service is also an important part of the Crabtree family. SFC Crabtree’s wife, Kelly, has served for 20 years and currently serves as a Tennessee Army National Guard recruiter. Their son followed his parents into military service and is currently attending Basic Combat Training. Following high school, he plans to attend East Tennessee State University and participate in the Army ROTC program. SFC Crabtree considers his family, Soldiers, mentors, and teammates an important part of his military career and continued service.