Georgia Military College (GMC) hosted its annual Leadership and Character Development Course March 11-15 for the 145th Corp of Cadets.
GMC Senior Vice President of Junior College Col. Nelson Kraft stated that planning for this year’s course began early. The curriculum is built by determining objectives and mirroring those with the three key concepts of the course: keynote speakers, small groups and classroom time, and team-building exercises.
“The Leadership and Character Development Course allows cadets to immerse themselves in the profession of leadership,” said Kraft. “By the time they complete the course, they understand a variety of leadership styles and its importance. Using that knowledge, they can determine what’s best for them to use as a leader and what type of leader they wish to be.”
Before the course began, cadets had two weeks to complete an online course that prepared them. With advice from the Army ROTC faculty, Vice President of Junior College Academics Dr. Christopher Babb, and the GMC cadre, classes were created that would best support the current Corp of Cadets. Classes included Communications Process, Team Building, Leaders in History, and more.
“When they (cadets) completed each module, they took a test to ensure they understood the material,” said Kraft. “It served as a set-up for the material they were going to discuss during the week so they could absorb more information and experience from the physical course.”
Kraft served as keynote speaker on the first day which led to small group discussions facilitated by GMC Cadre. The day concluded with a panel discussion on leadership with GMC alumnus and Columbia County Judicial Circuit’s District Attorney MG Bobby Christine, and President and CEO of the Georgia Lottery Corporation Gretchen Corbin.
On the second day, cadets were taught about the diverse aspects of leadership in the classroom. Chief of Staff Jill Robbins taught “Values-Driven Leadership and Team Culture,” Professor Edward Zipper taught the “Historical significance of current events in Israel,” and Major Ben Carrick and Captain Jamie Rollins taught “Leadership and Decision Making.”
Cadets returned as an assembly on the third day to hear Commissioner of Veteran Services Dr. Patricia Ross discuss building organizational teams and GMC Vice President of Junior College Dr. Tiffany Bayne talk about organizational power and influence.
“Small group time allows our cadets to study current events and engage in thought-provoking conversation,” said Kraft. “Our speakers are a mix of GMC alumni and faculty who can use their expertise to offer a personal and professional look into different types and elements of leadership.”
By the fourth day, cadets put the skills they heard about to the test by participating in organized sports, the obstacle course, and the rappel wall. The focus of this day was on teamwork, communication, and camaraderie.
On the final day, a senior leadership panel was led by Kraft, 197 Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Pat Douglas, and Professor of Military Science at Columbus State University LTC Michael Rybacki. They discussed the element of leadership within the military, how to balance work-life, and how to lead a young platoon.
All cadets who completed the course earned three credit hours and provided a survey for feedback for next year’s course.
According to Kraft, the faculty is in the process of an after-action review where they will evaluate the surveys and observations from faculty to improve and discuss senior leaders for next year’s course.