Army Pvt. Nicholas C. Marshall, a 2003 Tarpon Springs High graduate and the son of Randall Marshall of Palm Harbor, and Janyne Marshall of Crystal Beach, graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at the U.S. Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consisted of basic military training and advanced individual training.
During basic training, the trainee received instruction in drill and ceremonies, military customs and courtesies, map reading, tactics, basic rifle marksmanship, physical fitness, field training and first aid skills. The recruit developed combat skills and handled various weapons available to the infantry soldier.
During advanced individual training, the soldier received instruction to serve as an infantryman/mortarman using light and heavy anti-armor weapons, indirect-fire support, and mechanized operations while assigned to a rifle or mortar squad. The training included weapons qualification, tactics, patrolling, navigation, field communications and combat operations; engagement in infantry combat exercises, battle drills, land mine locating, neutralizing and extracting and survival operations during a nuclear, biological or chemical attack.
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Kimberlyn M. Whitaker, daughter of Richard M. and Barbara L. Whitaker of Clearwater, graduated from the Army ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as "Operation Warrior Forge," at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.
The 32 days of training provide professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support. The primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet's officer potential as a leader by exercising the cadet's intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina. The cadet command assesses each cadet's performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.
Cadets in their junior and senior year of college must complete the leadership development course. Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard, or Reserve.
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Army Pvt. John C. Whitenack II, son of John Whitenack of Marlboro, N.J., and Jane Lepree of Largo,graduated from Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.
During nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat and field maneuvers and tactics.
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Air Force Airman Eugene R. Sollog, a 2007 Dunedin High graduate and the son of Eugene Sollog and grandson of Elizabeth Sabatelli, both of Palm Harbor, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values and military customs and courtesies, performed drill and ceremony marches and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations.
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Seth Carl Magadanz, a Countryside High graduate and son of Keith and Leigh Magadanz of Clearwater, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. He completed 13 weeks of processing training that included a physical conditioning program, classroom and field assignments, first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. Magadanz and his fellow recruits performed close order drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.
He also received instruction on the Marine Corps' core values of honor, courage and commitment. The training phase culminated with the Crucible, a 55- hour team effort and problem- solving evolution. After graduation from Parris Island, he will be stationed at Camp Geiger, Jacksonville, N.C. for four weeks of combat training.
Army Pvt. Ian H. Kennedy, nephew of Trish Kennedy-Howe of Clearwater, graduated from the Direct Fire Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consists of Basic Combat and Advanced Individual Training.
During nine weeks of Basic Combat Training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train indirect fire infantry soldiers to employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate, neutralize and extract mines; map reading and ground navigation; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct and camouflage mortar firing positions; operate and maintain mortars and fire control equipment for individual/crew served weapons firing positions.
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