Young shore enlistees move up the military ladder

Graduates of Toms River High Schools South and East, and Brick Township High School, move past basic training and prepare for bigger tasks ahead in American defense.

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Gregory Ferrara, Jr., and Airman Sean W. Rickett, completed their eight weeks of instruction and drills at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Army Private Aris R. Cruz wrapped up basic Infantry training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

Rickett received his diploma at Toms River East in 2016. His parents, Laura and Michael Rickett, live in Toms River. Ferrara graduated Brick Township High School in 2004. Cruz is the son of Linda Adorno of Toms River, and brother of Nasha Cruz and Jennifer Cruz.

Air Force basic training lasts eight weeks. Enlistees learn military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, basic warfare principles and skills, and undergo physical fitness regimens. Completion includes four credits for associate degrees in applied science from the Community College of the Air Force.

Army Infantry training extends to nine weeks, entailing Army history, mission, tradition and core values, rifle marksmanship, bayonet training, chemical warfare, unarmed combat, drill and ceremony, maps, basic first aid, field tactics, military courtesy and the military justice system, along with physical development.