Robert J. Howard has 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 32 days of training provide the best possible 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 the cadet’s intelligence, common sense, ingenuity and physical stamina. The cadet command assesses each cadet’s performance and progress in officer traits, qualities and professionalism.

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.

Howard is the son of Mary L. and stepson of Stephen D. Dunphe of Bridgton. He is a 2002 graduate of Westbrook High School.