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Lt. Col. Weston Layfield recognizes the pride and unity that arise from serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Currently, as a professor of military science at the University of Georgia Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), he is imparting knowledge acquired from a lengthy career in the U.S. Army to students as he mentors the forthcoming generation of cadets.

For over 18 years, Layfield has been part of the U.S. Army, undertaking diverse command and staff roles nationwide. His father was in the military, and both grandfathers served during World War II. Originally, Layfield planned to graduate from the University of North Georgia Corps of Cadets program and serve for three to four years before pursuing a different career, but those ambitions rapidly shifted.

“I just became enamored with the Army lifestyle,” Layfield stated. “I have a wife and four children; we have all embraced it.”

Layfield’s initial posting was at Fort Hood, Texas, amidst the peak of the Global War on Terror. Shortly after relocating, his platoon was deployed to Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, where he resided for a year. At the young rank of lieutenant, he was responsible for leading soldiers who often were close in age to him, an experience he said fundamentally influenced his leadership skills early in his career.

A significant turning point in Layfield’s military path happened when he was scheduled to be assigned to a base in Texas but exchanged positions with another captain for a role at Fort Polk, Louisiana. LTC Layfield had previously served in Texas and perceived greater potential in the Louisiana opportunity. By making this change, he connected with lifelong mentors and exceptional leaders who laid the groundwork for his leadership journey.

The next phase of Layfield’s career led him to higher education. He began as an assistant professor of military science at UNG, his alma mater, before returning to active duty in the Army. He joined UGA in 2018 as the professor of military science in Army ROTC. Working at the university level fulfills Layfield’s dream job, and he aims to further enhance UGA’s Army ROTC program.

As a military science educator, each day presents new challenges. From interviewing potential high school candidates to conducting classes, Layfield is committed to nurturing the next generation of Army leaders. Cadets usually engage in physical training three times a week from 6-7 a.m., complete lab courses, and take part in practical training sessions where students can apply leadership and classroom skills. These courses concentrate on small unit tactics, preparing cadets for summer training between their junior and senior years.

“We serve as the pathway for individuals aspiring to join the Army as commissioned officers, and I aim to assist them in achieving that aspiration,” Layfield remarked.

Between their junior and senior years, every contracted cadet destined to join the Army after graduation travels to Fort Knox, Kentucky, for 34 days of training. Students are assessed against cadets nationwide while performing tasks such as rifle marksmanship, land navigation, platoon level (the smallest unit led by a commissioned officer), and leadership positions. A significant number of UGA Army ROTC cadets are categorized as “outstanding” or “excellent,” which surpasses most universities, according to Layfield.

“I seek two qualities when recruiting cadets: a readiness to learn and the understanding that you don’t possess all the answers, along with a selfless outlook,” Layfield stated. “If a lieutenant or senior cadet embodies these traits, they are bound to succeed because the Army is structured to educate them on the job. However, they must maintain that mindset.”

Three focal points that Layfield emphasizes to his cadets are physical fitness, academic achievement, and integrity. He desires them to feel enthusiastic and equipped as they step into their initial roles, typically as platoon leaders overseeing between 15 to 40 soldiers.

Layfield aspires to continue expanding the UGA Army ROTC each year, seeking cadets eager to learn and exemplify servant leadership. With the current number at 73 (an increase from 57 cadets in spring 2024), Layfield’s target is to reach 100 cadets in the coming years while preserving the program’s high standards. He also hopes to reach more UGA students to inform them that pathways exist for anyone intrigued by military service, whether as a doctor, lawyer, or combat leader.

“I enjoy collaborating with soldiers, and I relish working with cadets,” Layfield expressed. “I want each of our cadets who commissions through our program to lead in the Army and strive to be their utmost.”

The post Military science professor shapes Army leaders at UGA originally appeared on UGA Today.

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