Army National Guard Pvt. Joshua E. Salas has graduated from basic military training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., under the Split Option Enlistment Program. The program allows high school students between their junior and senior year to attend and complete the Army National Guard or Reserve six-week basic training program during the summer of their junior year.

During basic training, the recruit receives instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, values and tradition.

The student attends weekend drills during the senior year of high school until graduation. After graduating from high school, the recruit serves as a member of the national guard or reserve and attends advanced individual training (AIT) to acquire job skills necessary in a military career specialty.

He is the son of Michael Salas of Oakdale.

Salas is currently a student at Oakdale High School.