New course develops cadet leadership skills

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Cadet Leadership Academy (CLA) held the inaugural six-week Cadet Advanced Leadership Course (CALC) in the fall for 156 sophomore cadets to prepare them for escalating levels of responsibility in the coming years.

Designed as a key developmental pillar of the CLA's new 48-month curated cadet experience, CALC delivered rigorous, outcome-based training focused on leadership, readiness and character — mirroring standards found across the Army's premier leadership development programs. Cadets were immersed in a progressive series of academic, physical and leader-development events aligned with Army doctrine and the Corps of Cadets culture of excellence.

Award winners for CALC included:

• Distinguished Honor Graduate: Josh James, who achieved the highest overall score across academic performance, peer assessments, discipline metrics, and leadership evaluations. He exemplified the highest standards of competence, discipline and character throughout the course.
• Honor Graduate: Cotton Teaster, who demonstrated exceptional and consistent excellence across all evaluated categories, ranking immediately below the Distinguished Honor Graduate. He embodied reliability, steady performance, and professionalism in all facets of CALC.
• Iron Boar Award: Alyssa Estes and Stephen Medlin III, the top overall performers across CALC's most rigorous physical readiness events, including the Army Physical Fitness Test, the 12-mile foot march, the 5-mile run, and meeting Army height and weight standards.

Casey Dunn, CLA assistant director for leadership development, served as lead planner for CALC.

"CALC is the second major course under the Cadet Leadership Academy, joining the Cadet Basic Leadership Course as a cornerstone of CLA's long-term leadership development strategy," said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Joey Blacksher, senior executive advisor to the CLA superintendent. "Feedback from cadre and cadets indicates the course is already driving positive cultural momentum within the Corps. As UNG continues to expand the CLA, CALC will remain a central component in developing agile, disciplined leaders who embody the values of UNG and the U.S. Army."

James, a sophomore from Savannah, Georgia, pursuing a degree in information systems, serves in the Georgia Army National Guard and is on the Georgia Military Service Scholarship. He was excited for the development CALC provided for him.

"It's great that they're doing it," James said. "It refines us and will help us be prepared for the Leadership Development Program."

Most cadets complete the Leadership Development Program during their junior year in preparation to attend Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky, the following summer, a key milestone on their journey to commissioning.

Medlin, a sophomore from Raleigh, North Carolina, pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies, was grateful for CALC. After initially considering attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Medlin is glad to be part of America's Corps at UNG.

"I'm able to get off the clock sometimes and be a normal person," Medlin said. "That nets a better Army officer. You're more balanced and sociable. You're not around military people all the time. You have civilian friends. There's a lot of growth to be had from that."

Estes, a sophomore from Trion, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science with a minor in Japanese, is a member of UNG's Ranger Challenge team. Her team recently finished second in the 6th Brigade Titan Ranger Challenge and will compete this May in the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point. She was thankful to represent her specialty unit well during CALC ahead of this busy competition semester.

For Estes, the course was also a valuable opportunity to learn how to counsel subordinates when they need assistance.

"CALC framed for me the impact direct leadership has on the people you are overseeing," Estes said.

Teaster, a sophomore from Newnan, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology with pre-med advising, said he appreciated the field experience and leadership growth he gained.

"My award was a reflection of what I was able to do for the people I was leading as we pursued our overall mission," Teaster said.