During the 12 weeks of training, the officer candidate received “basic soldiering” instruction in leadership, professional ethics, soldier team development, combined arms tactics, weapons defense, combat water survival, squad drill, intelligence, field training exercises, day and night land navigation, confidence obstacle course, common core tasks, communications, staff and general military subjects, and physical fitness tests which include three-, four- and five-mile runs, and foot marches between 5-12 miles carrying rucksacks.

The candidate is tested on leadership skills and team work abilities required of a commissioned officer. Students learned to utilize acquired skills to function in “leader and follower” positions in squad and platoon sized elements, and evaluated in various leadership garrison positions while in a stressful and demanding field environment.

Carrier is the son of Meg Hackett of Rockford. He is a 2004 graduate of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 2008 from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind.

SPC Elizabeth Babcock

SPC Elizabeth Babcock graduated from basic combat training Bravo Company 1-40th Field Artillery Fort Sill, Okla. on July 29, 2011. She will now attend combat medic training at Fort Sam, Houston, Texas and 68K training as a medical laboratory technologist at the same location.

SPC Babcock is a Rockford resident and proud mother of Bryce and Jaylie Babcock. Her family is “proud of our soldier mom.” They extend their congratulations and thank her for her service to our town and country. “Go, Vipers!”

Air Force Airman James M. Sullivan recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Sullivan is the son of James Sullivan III of Rockford, and graduated in 2009 from Sparta Senior High School.

Army Pfc. Stephen C. Zukowski has recently graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. During the 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. Zukowski graduated in 2004 from Rockford High School.

Kester graduates from basic training

Air Force Airman Michael G. Kester recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Kester is the son of Jim and Renee Kester of Rockford. He graduated in 2005 from Rockford High School.

Mills graduates from basic training

Air Force Airman Jacob M. Mills recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Mills is the son of Lisa Smith of Rockford and Martin Mills of Caledonia. He graduated in 2008 from Caledonia High School.

Air Force Airman Kaila A. Shortridge has recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Shortridge is the daughter of Don and Vicki Labod of Belmont, and is a 2010 graduate of Northview High School, Grand Rapids.

Army Pfc. Matthew J. Salyer

Salyer was home after graduation until Tuesday, Oct. 12, when he left for Fort Bliss, Texas. He is the son of Karen and Steve Salyer of Belmont, and is a 2007 graduate of Rockford High School.