Ronald Steven Chastain was born in Paris, Arkansas and now resides in Conway. He is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University and received his lieutenant's commission in infantry through the ROTC program. He is the first Arkansas general officer to command Arkansas National Guard units in combat since the Civil War. He led the 25th Rear Operations Center, which provided force protection missions for the 18th Airborne Corps during Desert Storm. In July 2000, he assumed command of the 39th Infantry Brigade and later, during Operation Iraqi Freedom II, led the brigade consisting of more than 5,000 soldiers in combat operations.

He earned two Bronze Star Medals for exceptionally meritorious service during both Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Ronald also served in various command and staff assignments in the Arkansas National Guard, including the 143rd Field Artillery Brigade, the 87th Group Command, and the 39th Infantry Brigade. In May 2006, he was appointed Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard by Governor Huckabee.

He retired as a Major General following more than three decades of distinguished service, having earned two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, four awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, four awards of the Army Commendation Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.