KINGSTON, R.I.-August 24, 1999 — Nine cadets from the University of Rhode Island recently graduated from the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Advanced Camp. This event is the single most important training event in preparation for future commissioning as an Army Officer. Cadets Joseph Altimari of Coventry; Eric Anderson of Middletown; Michael Ceprano of Hope; Christopher Cleland of North Kingstown; Chandler Fisk of Keene, N.H.; Joven Kabrick of Newport; Eric Lewis of Smithfield; Stephen Thibodeau of Fitchburg, Mass.; and Justin Laferrier of Barrington, completed the 31-day camp that incorporated a wide range of subjects designed to develop and evaluate the cadets’ leadership ability. The Advanced Camp training matrix is a series of exercises and evaluation procedures that challenges each cadet individually and each platoon and regiment as a group. This training includes water safety, basic rifle marksmanship, land navigation, infantry tactics and physical training. Advanced Camp placed each cadet in a variety of leadership positions, many of which simulated stressful combat situations. The camp is based on 23 leadership dimensions developed by the U.S. Army Cadet Command and is designed to develop leadership, teamwork, and military skills and knowledge. The cadets are now prepared for their senior year at the University of Rhode Island and subsequent commission as an Army officer upon graduation. Army ROTC is the largest officer-producing organization within the American military, with approximately 75 percent of all officers in the U.S. Army receiving their commission through the program. Contact the Army ROTC Military Science Department at the University of Rhode Island at (401) 874-2385 for more information or learn more on the web at www.uri.edu/artsci/msc/. -xxx- For More Information: Jan Sawyer, 401-874-2116.