Army Pfc. Samantha J. Payne has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

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.

Payne is the niece of Lisa Clark of Pinkie Lane in Canton, N.C., and Kim Brock of Macedonia Church Road in Campobello, S.C.

Payne graduated in 2009 from Pisgah High School in Canton.