DOWNEY - Army Pfc. Ryan J. Hakel, a Downey resident and 2003 graduate of St. John Bosco High School, has completed Special Forces Candidate One-Station Unit Training at Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga.During the first 14 weeks of basic infantry training, Hakel receiving instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military customs and courtesies, military justice, physical fitness, road marches, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Hakel received additional training in development of basic combat skills, battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman. Hakel will now complete airborne school with a subsequent assignment to Fort Bragg to prepare for and attend the Special Forces Qualification Course as a weapons sergeant or engineer sergeant. During the 20-25 month training period, Hakel will have graduated from airborne school; the Primary Leadership Development Course; the Basic Noncomissioned Officer Course; survival, evacuation, resistance and escape training; and language school. He is the son of Downey resident John Hakel.

********** Published: October 28, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 28