Courtesy Photo | Justin Gall, officer candidate, is presented the Erickson Trophy by Maj. Gen. David...... read more read more
CAMP GRAFTON, N.D. - The future leadership of the North Dakota National Guard graduated Officer Candidacy School Class 53 at Camp Grafton last weekend.
To become an officer in the NDNG, a Soldier can either choose to complete OCS during an eight-week course held in three locations; South Dakota, Alabama or Maryland, which is known as the "fast track" option. Those that choose the traditional option will train one weekend a month and complete two weeks of training in the summer over the course of a year, said Lt. Col. Lonnie Punton, 2nd Modular Battalion Commander.
Both options require the candidates to complete ten critical exams, three ruck marches, multiple Physical Fitness tests and two weeks of field exercises. Punton said the different options are designed to provide more versatility as the average NDNG Soldier has many commitments, such as work and family.
"The two different programs fit different people," said Punton. "It all depends on what fits that person best and is a personal choice but there really is no difference. The curriculum is exactly the same."
Punton has worked with the OCS for eight years and prior to that taught Reserve Officers' Training Corps at the University of North Dakota for three years.
"We're producing better officers then we were five or ten years ago," said Punton. "OCS is a professional program and I hold it to the highest standard.
The officers just keep getting better."
"I think it's a great program," said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. "The end result is someone ready to take that step to be a commissioned officer."
Sprynczynatyk was involved in the graduation ceremony last weekend handing out awards as well as holding a meeting with the graduates prior to the ceremony to answer any questions they may have and encourage the group as they take the officer corps path in the National Guard.
"I hope other young soldiers consider OCS," said Sprynczynatyk, "I hope they consider what more they can bring to the North Dakota National Guard as an officer."
There were 11 OCS graduates for the 2010 training year, ten of whom have already accepted commissions. Once a soldier accepts their commission, they are promoted to Second Lieutenant.
The traditional graduates were Officer Candidate Justin Gall, who received the Physical Fitness Award, the Association of the U.S. Army Award for Leadership Excellence, and the Erickson Trophy, which recognizes distinguished leadership and academic ability; Officer Candidate Blake Hillerson, who was not present at the ceremony, Officer Candidate John Kelly, who received the National Guard Association Citizen Soldier Award, Officer Candidate Aaron Robinson, who was selected by his peers for the Heber L. Edwards Award, which recognizes outstanding and unselfish duty, Officer Candidate Kori Stockie, Officer Candidate Jacob Stoelting and Officer Candidate Christian Thorson, who received the Most Improved Academic Award.
The accelerated graduates for 2010 were Officer Candidate Jonathan Fankhanel, Officer Candidate Nevon Heisler, Officer Candidate Justin Huber and Officer Candidate Lance Monson, who received the Most Improved Leadership Award and the Academic Excellence Award.
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.01.2010 11:49 |
| Story ID: | 55541 |
| Location: | CAMP GRAFTON, NORTH DAKOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 214 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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