RI, MA troops complete officer training

 PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Three Massachusetts natives are among eight members of the Rhode Island National Guard who are graduating from a challenging 16-month program to earn their commission as 2nd lieutenants.

The graduates participated in the so-called Officer Candidate program that allows enlisted soldiers to be promoted to 2nd lieutenants in the Rhode Island Army National Guard.

Maj. Gen. Kevin McBride, the adjutant general and commanding general of the Rhode Island National Guard, says each candidate will receive orders for assignment to various units. Upon commissioning, the new lieutenants will attend their basic branch training at active duty posts throughout the country.

Rhode Island graduates include Christian Ariza, Garret Hathcock, Michael Coughlin and Alejandro Restrepo, all of Pawtucket, and Olakunle Oladapo of Providence. Massachusetts natives include Christian Carter of Carter, Mark D'aiello of Bridgewater and Jason Greenburg of Worcester.