During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.
Parker earned distinction as an honor graduate of the course.
He is the son of Nathan and Cathy Parker of HC Route 82, Marlinton. The private is a 2003 graduate of Pocahontas County High School.
