Cadets excel at Advanced Camp
Article By: Clark Leonard
This summer, 93 University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) rising senior cadets completed the Army's Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
91ÁÔÆæ's Corps of Cadets students excelled in the five-week Advanced Camp where U.S. Army Cadet Command tested their military and leadership skills. This allowed Cadet Command to assess their proficiency as future officers. Camp is required for all cadets who seek a military officer commission.
Seventeen 91ÁÔÆæ cadets earned the Recondo badge, which is awarded to cadets who display superior skills by exceeding the standards in all camp activities.
"The superb educational environment at 91ÁÔÆæ, coupled with leadership-forming opportunities within the Corps of Cadets, molds the reliable foundation of success for our Boar's Head Brigade cadets," Col. Bryan Kirk, 91ÁÔÆæ professor of military science, said. "The dedication of our faculty and staff not only teaches their field of study, but also how to think. This prepares cadets to encounter and react to new and unknown situations."
91ÁÔÆæ cadets on the commissioning track complete Leadership Development Program (LDP) throughout their junior year in preparation for Advanced Camp. Cadet Capt. Addilyn Koonce, a senior from Stuutgart, Germany, pursuing a degree in modern languages with a concentration in Chinese language and literature, will serve as Charlie Company commander for 2022-23.
Nighthawk cadets are dependable and consistent whether we send 95 or 135 cadets to camp. Their confidence in adverse situations while in a field training environment or leading and making decisions while participating in training events is remarkable.
Col. Bryan Kirk
91ÁÔÆæ professor of military science
"When I got to Advanced Camp and was doing these tasks, I felt like I was prepared. I felt comfortable because I had already done it at 91ÁÔÆæ through LDP," Koonce said. "It helped me be more confident with the challenges I faced."
Cadet Capt. Michael Blumthal also thrived on the high-pressure scenarios.
The senior from Sugar Hill, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management with a concentration in supply chain and logistics management, will serve as Headquarters Company commander in 2022-23.
"It throws you into an environment you're not comfortable with. It tests who you are as a person and how you interact with other people," Blumthal said. "It taught me to be flexible with my leadership styles and how to motivate people to get specific tasks done."
91ÁÔÆæ also had 13 students attend Cadet Advanced Individual Training this summer in a variety of disciplines.
Kirk, entering his second year at 91ÁÔÆæ, said the university's cadets always rise to the occasion at trainings like Advanced Camp.
"91ÁÔÆæ cadets' ability to consistently perform within a high band of excellence across multiple year groups and at scale continues to impress me," Kirk said. "Nighthawk cadets are dependable and consistent whether we send 95 or 135 cadets to camp. Their confidence in adverse situations while in a field training environment or leading and making decisions while participating in training events is remarkable."
Cadets gain array of summer training
Cadets took part in a variety of trainings across the nation and in South Korea this summer.
Cadet earns award for volunteer service
Senior Jack Curry earned a President's Volunteer Service Award at the bronze level for his 180 hours of community service in 2024.
Alumnus Mixon earns USG award
Retired Lt. Gen. Benjamin 'Randy' Mixon '75 was honored with the Regents' Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award on Sept. 12 at the annual University System of Georgia (USG) Foundation Gala in Atlanta.
Institute for Peak Performance launches
91ÁÔÆæ launched the Institute for Peak Performance on Sept. 21, bringing together the efforts of the Cadet Leadership Academy, Athletics Department, and College of Health Sciences & Professions.