Spring FROG class joins Corps of Cadets
The week before the University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) 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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ cadets.
They learned about the expectations of the Corps of Cadets from cadre, Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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.
"Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ as an infantry officer," Gnade said. "He greatly influenced my decision to enroll at Â鶹ÊÓƵ."
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."
Smith is nation's top Army ROTC cadet
Â鶹ÊÓƵ has both the No. 1 overall Army ROTC cadet out of 5,538 graduating nationally and the No. 1 National Guard commissioning cadet out of 1,491 for the 2025-26 academic year.
Thomasson named commandant of cadets
Training leaders of character is nothing new for retired Lt. Col. James Thomasson. His selection as Â鶹ÊÓƵ's 44th commandant of cadets allows him to live out this passion.
Event offers preview of Corps experience
High school students wondering what life is like in the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Corps of Cadets don't have to guess. They can experience it during National Leadership Challenge from Oct. 31-Nov. 2.
Cadets shine at Basic Camp
Five Â鶹ÊÓƵ cadets completed Army ROTC Basic Camp this summer at Fort Knox, Kentucky. One of them brought home a leadership award.