"The U.S. Army assigned me to teach Army ROTC at then, North Georgia College. The Professor of Military Science at the time was COL Gerald Lord.  When I arrived at North Georgia, COL Lord assigned me to teach the seniors (Military Science IV) and also serve as the Detachment Adjutant. The first senior class I taught was the class of 1988, and all 5 of these generals were my students. That class is a special class because it was my first. They all are great Americans!"    
 

Neikirk continued, "I remember them all very well! They were all good Cadets, they didn't get into any trouble! My class wasn't easy, but I think all 5 of them made A's in the class each Quarter.....in those days we were on Quarters, not Semesters." 

"I got to know them inside and outside of the classroom, especially while serving as Adjutant and also as a Cadet Company Advisor. BG Gayler was the Brigade Commander that year and he had the difficult task of keeping all the Cadets in line. I also remember making him serving as the class leader for his section of Military Science.....if a Cadet was late or absent, BG Gayler was held responsible!" Major Neikirk also recalled that BG Gayler would sometimes receive some "punishment'" for his peers' lack of self-discipline!

Major Neikirk went on to say, "During their senior year, all Cadets requested their branch choices.......my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be, but BG Gayler wanted to branch Aviation----he did.  BG Joe Jarrard wanted to branch Field Artillery----he did.  BG Jamie Jarrard wanted to branch Infantry----he did. BG Calvert wanted to branch Armor---he did. BG Scholes wanted to branch Armor---he did. You didn't get your first branch choice in those days unless you had an outstanding record."

In closing, "This school has produced some outstanding General Officers over the years. Right now, North Georgia currently has 10 General Officers leading our Army. That is a great tribute to this military program.  I don't think there is another school in the nation that can say this, other than perhaps West Point.  I think that is fantastic that 5 of the 10 are from the same class," said Neikirk.    
    

All PMSs, including those assigned to senior military colleges, are now selected through a centralized selection board that will take place at Human Resources Command at Fort Knox in August 14 for a report date of Summer '15. Details provided in Milper Message 14-092, issued 1 April 14. Note that a Masters degree is absolutely required; other restrictions exist.

Contact US Army Cadet Command G1 for more info on the PMS selection board: Mr. Burns, 502-624-2724 or Mr. Hefner 502-624-0122.