Weekend offers a glimpse of cadet life

Members of the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Corps of Cadets will host an estimated 150  high school students during the National Leadership Challenge (NLC) weekend held Nov. 3-5.

Held each semester, NLC is an opportunity for civilians to learn about the Corps of Cadets and experience team-building and problem-solving activities, including rappelling, ropes courses, and obstacle courses. Activities are held at UNG's Pine Valley Recreation Facility and Camp Frank D. Merrill, home to the 5th Ranger Training Battalion and the mountain phase of the U.S. Army Ranger School. Cadets provide logistical support and mentor students during the weekend's activities.

Each semester a battalion of cadets is tasked with leading the events, and Boar's Head Brigade 1st Battalion will lead the fall 2023 event, spearheaded by John Febres and Matthew Marchione.

"Cadets in the Boar's Head Brigade are eager and ready to teach and train the high school students in the outstanding leadership attributes that all cadets in our Corps of Cadets exhibit daily. Our cadets could not be more thrilled to put on a spectacular weekend for the fall 2023 NLC class," Jacob Lyons, cadet brigade commander, said.

One of the highlights of the weekend is the Legacy of Gold ceremony held at twilight Friday on the Gen. William J. “Lipp” Livsey Drill Field. Corps of Cadets members stand along the berm lining the field, with the students on the drill field. They are told the history of the corps and UNG. Spotlights are shined on each building, and the history and purpose of each is explained.

"The National Leadership Challenge Weekend is a great way for prospective cadets to see what life is like for our full-time cadets. Participants get an insider look at specialty units and cadet leadership development, and they create lifelong memories. Current UNG cadets are there to mentor our participating young Americans," Jordan Mund, cadet legacy recruitment network coordinator, said.

NLC is designed for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors on a college preparatory curriculum with at least a 2.8 GPA and costs $115. The application deadline is Nov. 1.