Many of Friday's LFCATC graduates will be serving with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.

The base held a special graduation parade Friday afternoon for students in Hill 70 Platoon - DP1 Infantry. Twenty-one members of the platoon graduated on Friday and participated in the badging ceremony.

Lieutenant-Colonel Conrad Mialkowski reviewed the troops and formally welcomed them into the Canadian Forces.

"You are now qualified and fully trained infantry men in the Canadian army," said Mialkowski. "It is a privilege and honour to see you troops on parade today. You're ready to join your battalions.

"You are likely going to Afghanistan. We're a busy army right now. We are rebuilding Afghanistan and we're talking the fight to the enemy and we're winning," he said.

Mialkowski was once posted to LFCATC Meaford from 1999-2001. He is currently posted to Headquarters, Canadian Forces Expeditionary Command (CEFCOM). Over the past 20 years of services he has served on two operational tours. He served one tour in Croatia and the other tour in Bosnia.

The graduating troops marched in formation for the reviewing officer, received their badges and then were presented awards.

Award winners were:
CWO Bob Girouard Trophy (Top Candidate) - Cpl. Renyi
Best at Battlecraft - Pte. Barrett
Most Physically Fit - Pte Barrett
Marksmanship - Pte. Chapleau
Most Improved - Pte. Kubis
Pte. Pinch Memorial Award - Pte. Barrett

Lt-Col Mialkowski told the soldiers they are ready to join the Canadian Forces.

"You're trained to do it and you're ready. You realize the seriousness and commitment to the profession you're about to join," he said, making note of the excellent training the troops receive in Meaford.

"I used to be staff here in Meaford. It's always a pleasure to come back to an institution that I remember as being excellent and seeing that excellence surpassed. For the past few weeks your community has been Meaford and that community has a strong commitment to this Area Training Centre," he said.