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SEA GIRT, N.J. – The New Jersey Army National Guard commissioned new second lieutenants during a formal Officer Candidate School graduation and pinning ceremony held in Sea Girt, New Jersey, on Aug. 3, 2025.
The event marked the culmination of months of intense physical and academic training designed to prepare officer candidates to lead Soldiers in the Army National Guard. Friends, family members, and mentors gathered to witness the moment their loved ones received the gold bars of a commissioned officer.
"Today represents far more than the culmination of Officer Candidate School; it marks the commencement of a lifelong calling to lead, to serve, and to uphold the highest ideals of our profession," said Lt. Col. Magregoir Simeon, commander, 2nd Battalion, 254th Regiment (Combat Arms), New Jersey National Guard. "These graduating candidates have demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and motivation. Through discipline and integrity, they have rightfully earned their commission and stand ready to lead with honor, purpose, and unwavering commitment to those they serve."
The Class 68 honor graduate, 2nd Lt. David Bransfield, was recognized for outstanding academic and leadership performance throughout the course.
“OCS emphasized the importance of showing up prepared every time, no matter what was thrown at us over the course of a year and a half,” said Bransfield, who will be reporting to B Company, 104th Brigade Engineer Battalion. “The eight of us who commissioned today came out of this stronger together. The whole experience made us all realize that we are capable of a lot more — and that is a great feeling.”
Another graduate, 2nd Lt. Ashton Colangelo, echoed the sentiment. “At first, sixteen months seemed like a long time, but once we all started to gel, the time flew by quickly.”
The OCS program includes a series of field training exercises, classroom instruction, and leadership evaluations designed to simulate the pressures of command. According to OCS course manager Sgt. 1st Class Franny Tavarez, watching the transformation is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
“The growth of these graduates — from their time as officer candidates to the moment they commission — is tremendous,” said Tavarez. “This program was designed to test the leadership skills and resilience of the candidates, but also to bring out the best in them.”
The ceremony included the traditional first salute, often symbolized by the presentation of a silver dollar, as well as the ceremonial pinning of rank by family and mentors. These new officers will now serve in units across the New Jersey Army National Guard and continue training to fulfill their duties as Army leaders.
| Date Taken: | 08.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2025 08:32 |
| Story ID: | 544829 |
| Location: | NEW JERSEY, US |
| Web Views: | 9 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Class 68 Commissions New Officers at New Jersey OCS Graduation, by CPT Kyle Marr, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
