From JET to Chief Warrant Officer 2: A Career in Harmony

Apr 30

Written By USJETAA

Ryan Knight (Shiga, 2002-2003)

I had the time of my life as a JET teacher in Shiga Prefecture during the early 2000s. Fresh out of graduate school at Michigan State University with a major in Music Performance, I was ready for a break before pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree. At the time, a DMA was essential for securing a teaching position at the university level. The previous summer, I had studied in Shiga Prefecture as an international student—a transformative experience that solidified my desire to return to Japan and immerse myself in its culture.

The early 2000s were simpler times. Social media was non-existent, the internet was in its infancy, and innovations like YouTube, AI, and the iPhone were still years away. My only connection to the world beyond Japan was a small flip phone that could send text messages of about 20 characters. Communicating with family back in the United States required a prepaid phone card costing $30–$40 and a trip to the nearest payphone—quaint by today’s standards.

Even after 23 years, I vividly remember the send-off party organized by the consulate, arriving in Tokyo, staying at the hotel, meeting other JET teachers, and riding the shinkansen for the first time. It was an unforgettable adventure for a young twenty-something fresh out of college. The JET Program is often described as offering vastly different experiences to its participants, but for me, it was nothing short of wonderful. My caring supervisors made the job immensely enjoyable, and the cultural exchange with students and teachers created lifelong memories.

Though I only participated in the JET Program for a year, I stayed in Japan, working at a cram school/private English school. Teaching both children and adults was equally rewarding. However, all good things must come to an end. The need for financial stability loomed, and my out-of-state college loan payments—totaling around $43,000—had become a burden. A musician friend mentioned that the military offered loan repayment programs, with the Navy promising $10,000 and the U.S. Army offering $65,000 for a single tour of 3–4 years. The opportunity to serve as a musician seemed too good to pass up, though my lack of military experience made me hesitant. At the time, there was no YouTube to watch testimonials and the internet provided little guidance.

In 2004, I joined the Army—from Japan, no less. The rest is history. I am set to retire this year after 21 years of active-duty service, during which I proudly served my country across Japan and various stateside locations. Beginning as a saxophonist, I rose through the enlisted ranks to E8/First Sergeant before being selected as a Warrant Officer Bandmaster/Conductor. For the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of commanding Army Bands in Japan, New York, and now Texas.

As I transition out of military service, I look forward to leveraging my skills, experience, and passion for Japan–U.S. relations in the next chapter of my professional life.

About Ryan Knight (Shiga, 2002-2003)

Chief Warrant Officer Two Ryan V. Knight is from Lagro, Indiana. He joined the U.S. Army in 2004 through the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program. Mr. Knight graduated from Advanced Individual Training at the United States Army School of Music at Joint Expeditionary Base- Little Creek. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Indiana State University and a Master of Music in saxophone performance from Michigan State University. He is certified at a 2+/3 level on the Department of Defense Language Proficiency Test 5 for Japanese and licensed to teach K-12 instrumental/choral/general music in the state of Texas.

Mr. Knight’s assignments in the U.S. Army have included: Musician with The Training and Doctrine Command Band, Music Performance Team Leader with the 1st Armored Division Band, Brigade Band Recruiting Liaison with the United States Army Recruiting Command, Operations Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Acting Commander of the United States Army Japan Band, Commander of the 10th Mountain Division Band, and Commander of the 323rd Army Band “Fort Sam’s Own” in San Antonio, Texas.

Ryan Knight’s 21-year military career includes various positions demonstrating his leadership and dedication to duty. His hobbies include training in Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, researching, traveling, spending time with family, and spending time in nature.

The Senpai Spotlight series is brought to you through partnership between USJETAA and AJET’s CONNECT Magazine. The series features JET alumni from the US who have made successful careers for themselves in various fields—with the goal of inspiring young JETs and JET alumni to pursue their own dreams while also offering some words of advice only a senpai could know.

If you, or someone you know, would like to be featured as a Senpai Spotlight, please reach out to us at contact@usjetaa.org.