Army Pfc. Brandon W. Tripp has graduated from the Direct Fire Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. The training consisted of basic combat training and advanced individual training.

During the nine weeks of basic combat training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid and Army history, core values and traditions.

Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

The advanced individual training course is designed to train indirect fire infantry soldiers to employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate, neutralize and extract mines; map reading and ground navigation; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct and camouflage mortar firing positions; and operate and maintain mortars and fire control equipment for individual and crew served weapons firing positions.

Tripp is the son of Mark and Wanda Tripp of Mechanic Falls. The private is a 2009 graduate of Edward Little High School.