Spring FROG class joins Corps of Cadets
Article By: Denise Ray
The week before the University of North Georgia (UNG) spring semester started, about 25 incoming cadets experienced Freshmen Recruit Orientation Group (FROG) Week. During Jan. 4-8, the group experienced activities and programs that acclimated them to life as UNG cadets.
They learned about the expectations of the Corps of Cadets from cadre, UNG staff, and their peers.
Under the leadership of brigade commander cadet Col. Warren Walker and battalion commanders cadet Lt. Col. Christian Brooks and cadet Lt. Col. Allyson Smith, the FROGs started their days before sunrise and ended with taps at 10 p.m. They took part in arduous physical activity and learned everything there is to know about being a cadet, from recognizing ranks to dorm-room standards.
"Not only was I able to observe all of the hard work from my command team and thorough planning from my staff, but I was able to see how that hard work helps to shape the new FROGs into promising cadets in less than a week," Walker said.
Not only was I able to observe all of the hard work from my command team and thorough planning from my staff, but I was able to see how that hard work helps to shape the new FROGs into promising cadets in less than a week.
Cadet Col. Warren Walker
Corps of Cadets brigade commander
Heather Plummer, who is from Fayetteville, Georgia, is pursuing an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN). She already has a bachelor's degree in public health from Georgia Southern University.
Plummer, having no prior military experience, said the week was challenging but her fellow cadets helped with the transition from civilian to military life.
"The other FROGs and cadets have been very supportive and helpful," Plummer said.
There has always been a part of her that wanted to be in the military, and a nursing major made a lot of sense with her self-described caring personality, Plummer said.
"UNG had both the accelerated nursing program and the discipline of the corps," she said.
Landon Gnade, who is from Dallas, Georgia, and pursuing a degree in finance, was in the junior ROTC program at South Paulding High School in Douglasville, Georgia.
"My JROTC instructor, Lt Col. Christopher Moore, commissioned through UNG as an infantry officer," Gnade said. "He greatly influenced my decision to enroll at UNG."
Gnade said he currently serves in the Army National Guard.
"FROG Week was great," Gnade said. "They kept saying that they're not making privates in the Army, they're making leaders who will commission as officers."
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