Cactus Shadows High School Student Triumphs in Basic Training Completion

Vincent Ferro, a student from Cave Creek attending Cactus Shadows High School, has successfully completed Basic Combat Training (BCT) for the Army National Guard as of August 9. He trained with Bravo Company 787 Military Police Battalion, undergoing 10 and a half weeks of rigorous training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri under the Army Split Training Option (STO).

The STO program allows students aged 17, who have finished their junior year, to complete basic training during the summer months. This flexibility enables young recruits to manage their academic responsibilities while pursuing military training.

After he graduates from high school, Vincent plans to return to Fort Leonard Wood to undergo Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in his designated Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as a Military Police officer.

Notably, Vincent’s participation marks the first time in over five years that a student from Cactus Shadows has engaged in this training program.