The University of North Georgia (UNG) Corps of Cadets recently had 27 cadets graduate from the Army's Air Assault School at the Warrior Training Center at Fort Moore, Georgia. UNG's group set a record for the largest cadet class from any college ROTC program to graduate from Air Assault School at one time.

The Air Assault School graduates included: Benjamin P. Anderson, Matthew W. Andrade, Jaelyn L. Baker, Michael T. Barnes, Wesley T. Boling, Evan M. Case, James T. Champ, Ian J. Champion, Matthew J. Ctibor, Sawyer C. Davis, Jason M. DiSimone, Maxwell L. Farmer, Hayden E. Frye, Conard H. Henderson, Zayne E. Hiott, Dayton K. Hurst, William C. Martin, Jaren W. McMullin, Landon G. Morello, Ali R. Nabulsi, Emerson W. Norton, William J. Penney, Noah T. Riley, Eric D. Roe, Tyson A. Rumley, Erik C. Siegele, and Sylas Sisson.

Nabulsi took first place in both the 12-mile and six-mile ruck marches, and Hurst was first in the four-mile run. Boling and Rumley scored UNG's highest test averages at Air Assault School.

"We are incredibly proud of this group of cadets for making history at Air Assault School. They are a shining example of the standards of excellence in our Corps of Cadets," Col. Ed Bankston, professor of military science, said. "This training has equipped these cadets to lead both now and in the future."

A class of 240, which included mostly cadets and some active-duty personnel, graduated from the Dec. 6-17 training.

Baker, a senior from Conyers, Georgia, pursuing a degree in criminal justice, said her experience in the specialty unit Mountain Order of Colombo at UNG prepared her both to excel in Air Assault School and help classmates with things such as tying Swiss seat knots for rappelling.

One of the highlights of Air Assault School for Baker was rappelling out of a helicopter. Ultimately, she is grateful for the Cadet Leadership Academy's commitment to helping cadets receive training that sets them up for their futures.

"They're working for us, trying to get us these opportunities before we get in the Army," Baker said.

Nabulsi previously completed Combat Diver Qualification Training during the summer. He was excited to have another specialized training.

"Attention to detail is the biggest thing at Air Assault School. When you're working with aircraft, little things can turn into big things," Nabulsi, a junior from Athens, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management, said. "Being in the Corps of Cadets teaches attention to detail."

Hurst, a sophomore from Thomasville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management with a concentration in logistics and supply chain management, said the participants in Air Assault School ranged from cadets to non-commissioned officers to captains. He was impressed by the unity on display as he and his classmates progressed through the training.

"No matter their rank, they're just people too," Hurst said. "Everybody leaned on each other, and it was cool to see."

Nine of the UNG cadets who graduated from Air Assault School in December are part of UNG's Army National Guard detachment.

"In addition to the tactical applications, the lessons learned at Air Assault School provide National Guard soldiers with a unique tool to enable emergency response efforts and resupplies during state emergency missions," Capt. Trevor Holbrooks, commander of UNG's Army National Guard detachment, said. "Sending UNG graduates into the force as junior officers with the Air Assault Badge keeps with the UNG tradition of producing resilient, effective and successful leaders."

December was simply the latest instance of UNG cadets excelling at Air Assault School. In summer 2024, Benjamin Smith earned Distinguished Honor Graduate recognition at the school.