Coal City grad completes Army training

Army Pvt. Kyle J. Esler has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo.  The course of instruction included basic combat training and advanced individual training (AIT).

The basic trainee received instruction in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history and traditions.

During AIT, the soldier completed the Combat Engineer Course to perform basic combat construction and rigging operations; operate light and heavy engineer wheeled and armor tracked vehicles while participating in combat mobility, countermobility, and survivability operations; assist in assembly and maintenance of military standard float and fixed bridges; prepare, install, and prime firing systems for demolition and explosives; arm, disarm, and install anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, locate mines by visual means or with mine detector; and recognize and neutralize land mines, firing devices and booby traps.

Esler is the son of Debbie and Thomas Esler of Crystal Lane, Diamond. The private is a 2007 graduate of Coal City High School.