Graduation
48" x 40"
Oil on Canvas

United States Army Training Center, Infantry, Fort Ord, California
Major General R. G. Fergusson, Commanding
1966

Depicted in the painting is the graduation ceremony of three companies of basic trainees
of the 3rd Brigade. Trooping the line are Colonel Dean E. Hutter, commanding, 3rd Brigade;
Major Henry E. Vincent, commanding, 1st Battalion, and Brigade Sergeant Major Leon B. Doubek.
During his eight weeks in basic training, graduation seems as remote to the trainee as
the next century. He is so busy mastering a multitude of new skills and concepts
that graduation seems to be part of a not quite comprehensible future.
The discipline, practice and pressure of eight weeks of accelerated development
bring to the trainee a maturity that frequently amazes his family.

Though he may slip back into childhood at moments, he has experienced the feeling of
his own manhood. He has accomplished a journey into the unknown where courage,
discipline, self reliance, strength, stamina, physical and mental agility, and foresight
have become so exercised as to be instantly available to him.
Recognizing this, the artist chose to portray the new soldiers at
this unforgettable moment – their graduation.
Himself a veteran of army training in his youth and then a trainer,
the artist recently watched his young stepson mature into manhood
during basic training, renewing his conviction that this training is of inestimable value
to the young men who receive it.  He said, "A boy becomes a man when it is necessary,
and in today's army, it is necessary."
This, then, is their day.  In a thrilling ceremony rooted in ancient tradition the graduates
are honored with martial music, flags, addresses, and awards. It is a ceremony of triumph.
They are men, now, prepared to do the work of men.