GMC News

ECP Mini-Camp

More than 40 cadets braved the heat and extreme weather recently, fighting through adversity to complete the Georgia Military College JC Early Commissioning Program mini-camp.

Lt. Col. Robert Purvis, professor of military science and head of the ROTC program at GMC, said the group fared well.

“It was awesome,” he said. “It was really hot last week, but these guys and gals were able to deal with that and get some great training in. They were quick to pick up different training aspects we gave them, and they were motivated the whole time.”

The cadets took part in a variety of exercises, from rock climbing to paint ball to rappelling. The group also participated in a Leadership Reaction Course, learned navigation and tactical skills, and was educated on helicopter ops on board a Blackhawk helicopter.

An emphasis was placed on building trust in each other.

“[These activities] showed them that teamwork is the key,” Purvis said. “That is what will get them through [the Leadership Training Course at Fort Knox] and GMC. That is what I want to instill in all my cadets within the ECP program at GMC.”

The mini-camp was geared at preparing the cadets for Fort Knox, where the cadets will attend the LTC. At the course, cadets are given leadership and adventure training as an introduction to the ROTC program. The cadets who get through the LTC will move on to the National Advanced Leadership Course at Fort Lewis, Wash.

“For some, the next few weeks will be tough. For others, not so much,” Purvis said. “But they will all get indoctrinated into the Army and learn basic skills that would compliment the education a Military Science I or II cadet would receive in a four-year ROTC program.”

GMC’s ECP program lasts the two years a cadet is enrolled at the institution. After graduation, the cadets have the ability to be commissioned into the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant.

Purvis said the current ECP class of 41 cadets is a strong one.

“This is a highly motivated, smart group of young prospects,” he said. “I have a really good feeling about this group and think they will do well.”

For more information on the Early Commissioning Program at GMC or the GMC corps of cadets, call the Military Science Department toll free at (888) GMC-0068.