North Dakota National Guard holds Eagle Flight, Highlights Officer Corps Opportunities

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. David A. Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, talks with soldiers about the benefits of being an officer during the Eagle Flight seminar Aug. 28 at the Regimental Training Institute at Camp Grafton, N.D. Eagle Flight is an event the NDNG hosts to boost interest and inform soldiers about becoming a commissioned officer.  

CAMP GRAFTON, ND, UNITED STATES

09.01.2010

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

By Spc. Jess Raasch

CAMP GRAFTON, N.D. - The North Dakota National Guard held Eagle Flight Aug. 28-29 in the new 164th Regimental Training Institute at Camp Grafton, N.D.

The purpose of Eagle Flight is to inform members of the NDNG about the opportunities and benefits available through becoming an officer. Eagle Flight kicked off Saturday morning with opening remarks from Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general.

"We have opportunities for you, and I guarantee if you make the decision to become an officer, you will find your career even more rewarding and successful than it already is," said Sprynczynatyk.

The seminar went into great detail about each of the four options to become an officer, which include Recruit Officers' Training Corps, State Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Training School, and direct commission.
Guest speaker Brig. Gen. William L. Seekins, land component commander, discussed the challenging but rewarding role that comes with being an officer.

"It's not going to be easy. You won't do everything perfectly the first time," said Seekins. "The self-satisfaction of making an impact and a difference in your soldiers' lives is more than enough."

The first Eagle Flight seminar was in 2005 and was so successful the state decided to continue over the past five years. Eagle Flight is held twice a year, once in January and once in August. The size of the class can vary greatly. There were 14 attendees this session, and many seminars have had up to 60 attendees.

"I don't know how to impress upon you the world of opportunity about to unfold and we are just asking you to take that step forward," Seekins said.

"We are all leaders at all ranks. The most successful leader is the one with a vision of the future," said Sprynczynatyk. "If you can look to the future and see what success is and teach others how to see the future, you will be successful."

A staff team was available during the seminar to answer any and all questions the soldiers had about their future as an officer. The open-door communication helped ensure all soldiers left with the information necessary to make the decision between remaining an enlisted soldier or becoming an officer.

"Be bold, be courageous as you make decisions, and make sure you take care of yourself," said Sprynczynatyk. "Thank you for serving the nation."

• Date Taken: 09.01.2010
• Date Posted: 09.01.2010 17:48
• Story ID: 55566
• Location: CAMP GRAFTON, ND, US