Seven times a summer, Warrior Forge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord holds a graduation ceremony for the cadets who've just completed the 29-day Leader Development and Assessment Course, better known as Advanced Camp. In total, about 6,300 cadets will complete the camp during the 2010 session.

On July 24, 900 cadets from the 7th Calvary Regiment and the 8th Field Artillery Regiment took the field and became one step closer to becoming future warrior leaders.

"I wanted to be part of a great team, and there is nothing greater than the U.S. Army," said Cadet James Yarbrough of Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. "Being an officer will allow me to stand in front of my soldiers and lead them. That is my goal."

While the majority of the cadets are entering their senior year in college, some already have that diploma in hand and are about to start their military careers. During Saturday's ceremony, 40 cadets were also commissioned as 2nd lieutenants by taking the Oath of an Officer, as administered by the Warrior Forge commander, Col. Paul S. Wood, and having their shoulder boards placed on by friends and family.

While the stands at Watkins Field were full, the audience was even larger than met the eye since more than 1,400 viewers were online watching the live streaming broadcast on www.ustream.tv. All listened to the morning's distinguished speaker, Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, commanding general and chief of the Army Reserve.

"I look at those behind me and those in front of me," Lt. Gen. Stultz said. "And I am reminded of how often I need to remind others that you are a national treasure. This is a great nation because men and women like you are willing to volunteer.

"You can take the uniform off at some point - in fact, you'll have to - but you will never get rid of that spirit inside of you," concluded Lt. Gen. Stultz, holding his hand over his heart.

Awards were presented to 15 outstanding cadets from each regiment for a variety of accomplishments, from demonstrating leadership at a platoon and company level to the COMtek Warrior Ethos Award, which is given to one cadet per regiment who displayed innovation, resiliency, courage, integrity, and honor.

For additional information on past or upcoming Warrior Forge graduations, visit http://warriorforge.wordpress.com.