A group of ROTC cadets at the University of North Georgia transitioned into their newfound military lifestyle last week as part of the university’s annual FROG week.
Colonel Retired Joe Matthews, Commandant of Cadets at UNG, said the program, which ran from Aug. 15 through Aug. 21, is essentially cadet basic training.
“That training is focused on one, bringing the cadets into the Corps of Cadets, outfitting them with their uniforms,” Matthews said. “Then two, a lot of what we would call army adventure training. Rappelling, hiking, climbing, a lot of leadership challenges.”
This year, 204 first-semester cadets participated in FROG week, which stands for freshmen orientation group.
Matthews said the goal is to set up all the new cadets for success, not just for their time in the ROTC, but also for their future careers.
“FROG week is all about taking the steps from being a civilian to being a member of a team to wearing a uniform, to living a disciplined lifestyle, to eventually becoming in charge of a group of people,” Matthews said. “Even in six days, it's an amazing experience and amazing transition.”
Those participating in FROG week experience a wide range of activities relating to the ROTC as well as activities pertaining to being a college student.
When it comes to ROTC-related activities, Matthews said the big shock for new cadets comes on the first day of FROG week.
“The first shock is where do I live and meeting my chain of command. So, my company commander and my first sergeant are the first two people they meet,” Matthews said. “Teaching them the basics of marching, learning the commands of left face and right face, and it can be daunting.”
Throughout the week, cadets will also hold military-issued weapons like the M4 carbine, participate in rappelling activities, participate in a six-mile march and more.
Stephen Warren, a new cadet at UNG, said the FROG week experience was life-changing.
“They’ve been pushing us mentally, but also physically,” Warren said. “The corps is amazing here; you can really tell that everyone cares about each other … I’m excited to start the year.”
For Elizabeth Spradlin, the process of FROG week was an adjustment, but she said it was well worth it due to the opportunities provided by the ROTC program.
“They give a lot of scholarships out, and so I’m actually on a three-year ROTC scholarship,” Spradlin said. “They gave me money, not only this year, but they’re paying for the remaining three years if I sign a contract to join the military.”
While Warren and Spradlin only recently experienced FROG week, Matthews went through the program in 1989 when he first joined the Corps of Cadets at UNG.
“After 27 years in the Army, I can look back at my experience and see how that transformed me from an 18, 19-year-old into a second lieutenant. I can see that same thing happening today,” Matthews said.
