FNL program reaches benchmark, commences fourth year CHRISTY GRAHAM Guardian editor Fort Polk’s premier Forging New Leaders program reached a new benchmark, entering its forth year of implementation Jan. 14 with 11 new students. “We did an initial three-year pilot program, and each year we worked out the bugs. Last year we dealt with COVID-19, hurricanes and tornadoes, but it was still successful.” Parks said that the garrison is now executing its first four-year contract for the course, as it is now fully developed. Across the program’s 10-month timeline, graduates log more than 180 hours of classroom instruction, which includes team projects; academic studies, readings and presentations; and 14 directorate briefs and tours focusing on Fort Polk’s major services and functions, said Parks.