Graduates of the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Initial Entry Training (IET) Alpha Class 26 with their cadre, Staff Sgt. Russell Wright, instructor (far left, black cap), Master Sgt. Raymond Slocumb Jr., primary instructor (far right black cap) and Pfc. Kristy King (2nd from the right) after the graduation ceremony, Ellenwood Readiness Center, Ellenwood, Ga., Jan 11, 2026.
Cadre refers to a group of officers and non-commissioned officers responsible for training and mentoring new or less experienced personnel. They serve as the core training staff, ensuring that recruits or trainees develop the necessary skills and discipline to become effective Soldiers.
IET is a program of physical and mental training required in order for an individual to become a Soldier in the GSDF.
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
(Georgia State Defense Force photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Alexander Davidson