Bryce Oliver not only turned 10 on March 9, but he also joined the Army.

OK, he didn't actually enlist, but the Brentwood private got a taste of boot camp (with cake) when his parents, Theresa and Tony Oliver, orchestrated a full-on army base birthday party, complete with camouflage netting and Stars and Stripes.

They took birthday party theme planning to the next level, SIR!

Reinforced by two green berets from the Special Forces Unit ODA-935, and four soldiers from the Antioch Army Recruiting Office, Oliver and 23 comrades, (aka school friends and family), gladly took assignment orders to have fun.

"We knew we were going to have a large number of children, so it was important to have different activities to keep them interested and busy," said Theresa. "Once the children arrived, they were required to check into our Military Enlistment Processing Station."

Each registrant received a military cap, engraved dog tag, embroidered bandana and military pack including flashlight, map, compass, notepad, pencil, water and the all-important Slim Jim.

Once divided into two groups, squad leaders were chosen, assignments given and tactical events and missions executed.

"One assignment was to decide on a team name, then paint their flag," said Theresa. "Another one was to camouflage their faces and gather their military pack for their next event."

After chowing down on pizza and hot dogs roasted over an open fire, the kids listened to SSG Randell Dean Wingate speak about firearm safety.

"They had to memorize the four rules of engagement of firearm safety before they were shown actual weapons, an AF 15 rifle," said Theresa. "And then were able to touch an actual drop safe bullet."

Thinking outside the birthday box, the Olivers based their boot camp theme on their son's love for the army, and their neighbor's service as a soldier for Green Beret Special Forces in Afghanistan.

"We decided to do something a little different than the normal birthday parties," she said. "We know all the children had a great time and in the process, learned how important our soldiers are and the great sacrifice they do for our country and us."

Upon dismissal the following morning, the kids were promoted to the rank of Private First Class and given honorable discharge for attending Bryce's birthday party.

Theresa gave special thanks to Randell Dean Wingate, Shane Tarum, Donyel Douglas, Karla Ooghe, Denice Babo and SFC William Butler and his men for their participation in the party.

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