Bootcamp teaches cadets about logistics

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Mike Cottrell College of Business partnered with Syfan Logistics to provide six cadets with a Cadet Logistics Bootcamp during the spring semester. 

Students spent the morning in the Cottrell Center for Business, Technology & Innovation learning from UNG faculty members and Army Maj. Jeffrey Teplis, a 2008 UNG graduate, about logistics and supply chain management. Their afternoon included a visit to Syfan Logistics, located in Gainesville, Georgia.  

"Classroom instruction sticks better when there is a hands-on experience," Maj. Jonathan Kirkland, assistant professor of military science, said. "Additionally, the site visit allowed for the observation of numerous real-world situations to spark additional conversation that classroom instruction cannot provide." 

Cadet Capt. Cheyenne Cloud, a senior from Calhoun, Georgia, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in management, was grateful for the chance to network with Syfan employees and learn more about the company.  

"What I liked most was the information that was provided. It was clear that each station we went to knew we were coming, and they took the extra time to break concepts down for us to understand," Cloud said. "I enjoyed how we were able to make it around the whole floor to see each department and their separate duties." 

Dr. Mohan Menon, department head of marketing and management, said the idea of the day was to provide a balanced perspective for the cadets. 

"The UNG Cadet Logistics Bootcamp was a great opportunity for our cadets to be exposed to the functions of logistics both in the military and civilian environments," Menon said. "The speakers provided insight into the critical importance of logistics in the field. The visit to Syfan Logistics in Gainesville demonstrated civilian logistics in action." 

Stephen Rademacher, a senior from Ranger, Georgia, pursuing a degree in computer science, was excited to see how the day aligned with his future as an Army ordnance officer. 

"I enjoyed the change of scenery and ability to learn, as well as share some of my personal knowledge," Rademacher said.  

The Cadet Logistics Bootcamp ties in with UNG President Michael Shannon's strategic big bets to "deliver the Corps of the future" and "supercharge workforce development." Shannon announced his seven strategic big bets to lean into UNG's strengths in an October 2023 white paper titled "Bold Forward: Running into Our Calling."