New Soldiers from a few Georgia State Defense Force units recently graduated from their Initial Entry Training (Basic Training). The three month long program takes new recruits, who have no prior US Military experience, and provides them Basic Military instruction. The recruits get accustomed with knowledges and skills such as Drill & Ceremony, First Aid, Land Navigation, Military Law, etc. Here are some photos of the recruits during their graduation ceremony:
The newest Soldiers of the Georgia State Defense Force graduated from their Initial Entry Training (IET) on 17July 2024 in Macon Georgia. Soldiers receive military indoctrination and training during three months of intense classroom and practical application instruction.The new Soldiers were trained at the Southern RTI.The class was commanded by COL Ken Kirk.The Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge was SFC Drew Kearns. Director of Cadre was SFC Jeff Jones.Cadre members were SGT Corey Jackson SGT Cris Jones and SGT John Messick. Distinguished guests included GASDF Commanding General, BG Mark Gelhardt and incoming State Command Sergeant Major, CSM Robert Bayne.All graduates of the class are assigned to the 4th Brigade in Ashburn, Georgia.Graduates:PFC Jeremy Hill (Distinguished Honor Grad)SPC Scott Word (Class Leadership Award)SGT Steven Anderson (Academic Award of Excellence)PV2 James KallingerPV2 Dwayne Jean-PierrePV2 Gerald SefcikPV2 Rachel Sefcik1SG James ChatmonPFC Dylan MintonPFC Bobby Braxton-Pictures by PFC Carolyn Kearns, 4th BDE UPAR.
Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Pvt. Andrew Kesterson (left) and Pvt. Matt Cipolla (right) hold certificates of achievement following their gradation from Initial Entry Training (IET), Ellenwood Readiness Center, Ellenwood, Ga., July 10, 2022.
Pvt. Kesterson earned the class leadership award. Pvt. Cipolla earned the class academic award.
GSDF Commanding General Brig. Gen. Mark D. Gelhardt Sr. also presented challenge coins to each Soldier.
IET, a program of physical and mental training, is a prerequisite to becoming a Soldier in the GSDF.
Georgia State Defense Force photo by Warrant Officer Alexander Davidson
Source: Georgia State Defense Force – GSDF 4th Brigade
