Raymond S. Patterson graduated from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as “Operation Warrior Forge,” at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Wash.

The 33 days of training provides professional training and evaluation for all cadets in the aspects of military life, administration and logistical support.

Although continued military training and leadership development is included in the curriculum, the primary focus of the course is to develop and evaluate each cadet’s officer potential as a leader by exercising intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina. The command assesses each cadet’s performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism while attending the course.

Cadets in their junior and senior year of college must complete the leadership development course. Upon successful completion of the course, the ROTC program and graduation from college, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, National Guard or Reserve.

Patterson is a student at Columbus State University, Ga. His wife, Andrea, is the daughter of Monique Frank of Lewiston. Patterson graduated in 1988 from Deering High School, Portland, and received an associate degree in 2002 from Central Maine Community College, Auburn.