Pandemic keeps training on-campus for senior commissioning cadets Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, training for seniors in UNG’s Corps of Cadets transformed from a summer event at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to a semester-long program on campus during the fall. Operation Agile Leader was the Army- mandated replacement in 2020-21 for Advanced Camp, which cadets must complete to be commissioned in the military. The training assesses cadets’ proficiency as future officers. They are tested on areas that include rifle marksmanship, hand grenades, first aid, Army combat fitness, and land navigation. UNG’s senior cadets completed their major Operation Agile Leader efforts with a field training exercise in November at UNG’s Pine Valley Recreation Complex.
Operation Agile Leader replaced Advanced Camp that usually takes place each summer at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Corps recognized by AUSA
UNG was the best among 270 ROTC companies nationally in company-sponsored activities.
UNG’s Corps of Cadets earned the 2020 Most Active Company of the Association of the U.S. Army, a distinction which is based on the most company-sponsored activities. This honor ranks UNG, which is one of six senior military colleges in the nation, atop the 270 ROTC companies nationwide. “I am extremely proud of our cadets and all that they have accomplished, and I appreciate all of our faculty, staff and alumni who help mentor these students,” UNG President President Bonita Jacobs said. This year, the award was accepted by Jacobs; retired Col. Joseph Matthews, commandant of cadets; and cadet Col. Benjamin Danko, the Corps of Cadets brigade commander. “I’d like to express my appreciation to the hard-working cadets of the Boar’s Head Brigade, who devote so much time to their character and leadership development,” Matthews said.
Olmsted Foundation continues support of cadets UNG has received a $26,000 grant from the Olmsted Foundation that continues its support of international opportunities for cadets from UNG and three historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). While the COVID-19 pandemic
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has restricted travel and limited UNG to just one Olmsted-funded trip since spring 2020, unused funds may be used when restrictions are eased. The Olmsted Foundation, UNG and Georgia State University entered an agreement in 2018 to provide
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA MAGAZINE
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international opportunities for cadets and three Atlanta-area HBCUs. Through the end of 2020, 33 cadets have been part of the overseas immersion opportunities funded by Olmsted.
