UGA history major earns leadership award from Army ROTC

UGA senior Orry Young earned a leadership award from the U.S. Army Cadet Command after completing its Leader Development and Assessment Course, also known as Operation Warrior Forge. The award

was presented the Warrior Forge Commander's Leadership Award at the July 21 LDAC graduation at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. He was ranked No. 1 among more than 200 cadets in his training company at the 29-day LDAC program, the capstone training and assessment exercise for the Army ROTC.

"This leadership commendation is a milestone for Cadet Young's future military career," said Lt. Col. Kurt Felpel, commander of the Bulldog Battalion and professor of military science at UGA. "The word I received from his Warrior Forge training off

icer is that he would feel confident with Young leading his own son in combat. Obviously, these words from a high-ranking official make me quite proud."

More than 6,000 college students from around the U.S. attend Operation Warrior Forge each summer. Cadets are tested on their physical stamina, endurance and their ability to navigate over difficult terrain as well as their team-building and leadership skills. Successful completion of this training is a prerequisite for becoming commissioned as a U.S. Army lieutenant.

There is literally no limit to the many careers open to students of the Franklin College. One of the oldest ROTC programs in the nation, the Bulldog Battalion is yet another robust element of campus life, one which offers a specific set of skills as well as prepares students for careers beyond the university. It's an added salute to our professional armed forces that they are led by men and women who distinguish themselves at the university-level. ROTC is also an important part of the fabric of the liberal arts environment.

Image of Orry Young courtesy of the University of Georgia.