Army Pvt. Philip M. Merciez has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values; trained in 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.

Merciez is the son of Renee Merciez of Suffolk, and Matthew Merciez of Virginia Beach. He is the grandson of Walter Merciez of Lynchburg.

He is a 2012 graduate of King’s Fork High School.