Photo Caption: Chief Warrant Officer Richard F. Andrews (right), Recruiting and Retention Specialist, New Jersey Army National Guard, administers the oath of enlistment to Manahawkin resident Konstantin Smirnov (left) at Fort Dix on June 13.

Pvt. Smirnov, who is a graduate of the New Jersey National Guard Challenge Youth Program, has been assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 5th Squadron, 117th Cavalry located at the National Guard Armory in Vineland.  He will attend Basic Training at Fort Knox, Ky., and after completing Basic Training; he will begin his advanced individual training as a Cavalry Scout.  The cavalry scout serves as a member of scout crew, squad, section, or platoon in reconnaissance, security, and other combat operations.

Anyone interested in joining the New Jersey Army National Guard and wants to attend college tuition free, while earning a part-time income and serving their community, state and nation should call Sgt. 1 st Class McCoy at (609) 538-1613 or visit the New Jersey Army National Guard website at www.state.nj.us/military/army/