By: Junhyuk Ko

University of North Georgia ROTC held a contracting ceremony with 41 cadets being contracted on Mar. 12, 2021. They highlighted their commitment to serve in the Total Army Force upon graduation through this event.

Cadets must meet specific requirements to be contracted: Complete one Military Science course,

complete 30 credit hours, pass Army Combat Fitness Test including height and weight requirements. Once cadets are contracted, they will get a scholarship from the Army and the amount of scholarship depends on the cadets’ ranks and prior service career.

Contracted cadets will commission as a second lieutenant in the Total Army Force as they graduate. They can choose to be in the U.S. Army for active duty, National Guard or Reserve Army.

Contracting ceremony began with national courtesy and was followed by speeches from Professor of Military Science Col. Wright and Brigade Chaplain Cadet Sgt. Maj. Lastinger, contracting oath, distribution of UNG badges and celebration. When taking a contracting oath, cadets pledged that they will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, be faithful and loyal and obey the orders. Contracted cadets are now authorized to attach these badges to their uniforms. COVID-19 guidelines are strictly observed with wearing face coverings and social distancing.

Isabelle Clark, a sophomore cadet nursing major, was contracted this time. She said, “I came to the Corps of Cadets as a joke but I wanted to prove something. This is kind of a challenge for me.”

“I love it. I’m excited for the future. There is so much I don’t know about but this is what I want to do.” – Isabelle Clark

She said she wanted to do active duty nursing but because her boyfriend has to stay in Georgia, it is fine for her to enter National Guard or Reserve Army and work in civilian hospital.

Cadets that are not contracted and want to work in other organizations or corporations other than the Army are on National Service Leadership Track. Cadets can apply for NSLT in their second year and they will be provided with leadership building programs and job opportunities once they are on NSLT. NSLT cadets are also eligible for leadership roles in the Corps of Cadets and have to participate in all cadet activities except Military Science Lab and semester field train