SFC Erik C. Barraclough enlisted in the Army in 2008 into the Delayed Entry Program through Arizona.
SFC Barraclough attended OSUT at Fort Benning Georgia as an Indirect Fire Infantryman and graduated from A Company 2ND BN, 19th IN REG. After competing OSUT, SFC Barraclough was first stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with the 2nd BN, 506nd IN REG as a Mortar Gunner. SFC Barraclough deployed to Afghanistan in June of 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon returning from Afghanistan, SFC Barraclough attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection and was successfully selected as an 18D, Special Forces Medic candidate. SFC Barraclough then moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina to attend the SF Qualification Course. After leaving Fort Bragg, SFC Barraclough was sent to Fort Bliss, Texas with 2nd SQND, 13th CAV REG. While with 2/13, SFC Barraclough deployed to Bahrain in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in June of 2016. Upon another successful deployment, SFC Barraclough returned to Fort Campbell in April of 2018, this time being assigned to 2nd BN, 506th IN REG. SFC Barraclough served four years as a Mortar Platoon Sergeant supporting the Battalion through multiple multi-echelon training events and deployment readiness exercises. SFC Barraclough has now moved to TAMUK to serve as the Senior Military Science Instructor.

His professional military education includes Infantry OSUT, Pashtu Basic Course, Basic Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, Infantry Mortar Leader Course, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Pathfinder School, and the Battle Staff Course.

SFC Barraclough’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, the Presidential Unit Citation, a Valorous Unit Award, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.