Louisiana Army National Guard welcomes 25 new officers - Class 49/50A graduate, receive commission

Photo By Master Sgt. Toby Valadie | Louisiana National Guardsman Col. Jonathan T. Ball, commander of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, congratulates the newest officer of his unit at an officer candidate school graduation ceremony at Tioga High School in Pineville, La., Aug. 29.  

PINEVILLE, UNITED STATES

08.29.2009

Story by Sgt. Beyonka Joseph 

Louisiana National Guard

PINEVILLE, La. - The Louisiana Army National Guard commissioned 25 new officers from Officer Candidate School Classes 49 and 50A in a graduation ceremony at Tioga High School in Pineville, La., Aug. 29.

Approximately 17 of the newly-commissioned officers completed their training through the 199th Leadership Regiment's traditional 18-month OCS program held at Camp Cook in Ball, La., while seven others successfully completed eight weeks of continuous training through the accelerated OCS program at Fort Meade, South Dakota.

"It is a great honor to be here today to welcome this group of officers," said Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, LANG adjutant general. "You are embarking on a new career and journey as a commissioned officer. It is a path of tests, challenges and rewards like no other that you shouldn't take lightly," he continued.

"Your obligation as leaders is to take care of your Soldiers. You have the talent, drive, training, and the leadership to step up and make a lasting impact on every Soldier who you come in contact with."

During OCS, the candidates developed entry-level leadership skills required of all officers regardless of their Army career field. They were also taught to take initiative, think clearly and to set a positive example for the Soldiers they will lead.

"We try to take someone who has limited experience and guide them into the leadership role," said Sgt. 1st. Class Brett L. Travis, 199th platoon trainer. "We teach them how to be effective leaders in both a garrison and combat environment," he explained.

Candidates pass through a junior, intermediate and senior phase during their training. Academics include both classroom study and field training exercises, which range from military courtesy and advance land navigation, to troop leading procedures and training management.

"One thing that has always amazed me is the transformation that the candidates go through. From the beginning of the class to graduation, they mature into the leaders that are needed for the future of the Army," Travis stressed.

For 2nd Lt Kenneth R. Floyd, graduating from accelerated OCS was a challenge but an accomplishment for one of the class' oldest members. "It's been a rigorous process for me," Floyd said. "Being one of the older guys, coming through OCS has been a challenge but one that has been well worth it."

"I've always had that need to serve my country and fellow Soldiers, and I can't think of a better way of doing it than to become an officer."

Floyd's advice for anyone interested in becoming an officer is to stick with. "My advice is when you get that overwhelming feeling to quit...don't. The pain and suffering is very short-lived and it will all work out in the end."

• Date Taken: 08.29.2009
• Date Posted: 09.02.2009 15:37
• Story ID: 38291
• Location: PINEVILLE, US