Basic Training

Navy Seaman Recruit Patrick L. Fuchs, son of Willalm and Debrah Fuchs of Bel Air, completed basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.During the cycle, recruits are taught general military subjects designed to preparae them for further academic and on-the-job training in one of the Navy's 85 occupational fields.Studies include seamanship, close-order-drill, naval history and first aid.He is a 1991 graduate of Bel Air High School.BLACK ABOARD CARRIERNavy Airam Recruit Lamar A. Black, son of Leonara Bkuford of Edgewood, has reported for duty aboard the aircraft caarrier USS Ranger, home-ported in San Diego.

* Thomas F. Harris, son of Barbara S. Child, recently enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve's Delayed Training Program and will TC report for basic training June 2.The Liberty High graduate will undergo basic training at Fort Leonard, Mo.Harris has chosen the position of medical non-commissioned officer as his military occupational specialty and will be assigned to the 100th Hospital Station in Baltimore.* Marine 2nd Lt. Eric M. Hildebrandt, whose wife, Karen, is the daughter of George F. and Linda Wendt of Woodbine, recently graduated from the Basic School.

Army Pfc. Thomas L. Brodkin, son of Peter and Kathaleen Brodkin of Columbia, has been named post soldier of the year at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.The selection was based on the soldier's exemplary duty performance, job knowledge, leadership qualities and significant self-improvement and other accomplishments.Brodkin is a 1983 graduate of Wilde Lake High School.AIR FORCE SERGEANT GETS SPECIAL MEDALStaff Sgt. Russell D. Kirk, son of Donald and Kerin Kirk of Ellicott City, has been decorated with the AirForce Commendation Medal.

Seaman recruits finish basic training Navy Seaman Recruits Sarah M. Garnett and Anthony M. Rogers recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Garnett is the granddaughter of Aubrey E. and Catherine A. Joines of Woodbine, and a 2006 graduate of South Carroll High School. Rogers is the son of Tracy L. and Jon P. Raymond of Westminster and a 2006 graduate of Westminster High School. Navy Reserve Seaman Kevin G. Smith, brother of Wanda Smith of Mount Airy, and a 1990 graduate of Linganore High School, also completed Navy Training in Great Lakes.

* Navy Fireman Eric R. Bowen, son of Robert M. and Linda L. Bowen ofSykesville, has completed recruit training at Recruit Training Command, Orlando, Fla.A 1990 graduate of Liberty High School, he joined the Navy in June 1990.* Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class David F. Sowers, son of John E. and Sandra C. Sowers of Hampstead, recently completed the surface sonartechnician course and was promoted to his present rank.During the course -- conducted at Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, San Diego -- Sowers studied methods used to describe sounds in sea water, sonar capabilities of anti-submarine warfare equipment, and fire control and weapons systems.

Last week's welcome-home party for Michael Zepp, an infantryman with11 Bravo Company of the 82nd Airborne, was missing just one thing.His brother, David, a private first class with the 691st Maintenance Company of the Army's 20th Engineer Brigade, wasn't home to enjoy the festivities with the family.Both young men, along with their cousin, Steve, had been deployedto the Middle East during the Persian Gulf conflict.Michael leftfor the gulf Aug. 19, and David went straight to the Middle East from the Army's basic training course in September.

The annual Bay Bridge Walk will take place April 28, coinciding with an event in the Volvo Round-the-World Ocean Race. The 4.3-mile walk allows people to experience the bridge from a different vantage point. Normally held the first Sunday in May, the event attracts about 50,000 people. Buses will begin boarding participants at 8:30 a.m. at three locations: Naval-Marine Corps Stadium, Anne Arundel Community College and Chesapeake Bay Business Park. Cost for transportation is $1 for anyone 6 and older.

The General George G. Meade Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars will meet at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 in the Officer's Club.The featured speaker is Hank Dillon, Pentagon liaison officer to the Army in Europe.Information and reservations: 465-5474 or 266-5804.DESERT STORM ANNIVERSARYThe Maryland National Guard has scheduled a one-year anniversary celebration for families of soldiers called up for Operation Desert Storm at 7 p.m. at Overlea Caterers, 6809 Belair Road.Information: 576-6188.

AND IT came to pass in those days in Washington that a decree went out from the Pentagon. Eleven supposedly wise men and women were chosen to study the question of whether putting young men and women together in close quarters during basic military training might lead to sexual activity. At a cost to taxpayers probably surpassing the value of gold, frankincense and myrrh, the panel not only concluded that sex happens among recruits, but also that the sexes should be separated during the initial phases of military training.

IN COMBAT, soldiers live and fight in boots. That's why when I was in the military a decade ago, we did all our physical training, including long runs, in boots. Today in basic training, they run in lightweight running shoes.In combat, soldiers must surmount obstacles such as walls. Obstacle courses in basic training still have walls, but if you can't climb over them, you're allowed to run around them. That's fine if the enemy has erected walls only a few feet wide, but few are so obliging.