Fort Jackson schedules 6-hour tour for public

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The one-star general in command at Fort Jackson outside Columbia is inviting members of the public to visit the basic training installation and chow down with the soldiers. Army spokesman Pat Jones says Brig. Gen. Bradley Becker is inviting the public to tour the Army’s largest training base on Oct. 31. Those who register for the six-hour tour will get a chance to see how soldiers train for combat. They will attend a graduation from basic training, learn to shoot a simulated soldier’s rifle and eat in an Army dining facility. The tour begins at 7:45 a.m. and lunch costs $4.60. Advance reservations are required by Oct. 24. To register, please call the Fort Jackson community relations office at (803) 751-1474.