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Officer cadet from Ormskirk,
Lancadhire graduates at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
ON Friday, 15 April 2016, Patrick Highet from
Ormskirk, joined hundreds of Officer Cadets in a prestigious graduation ceremony
at the Army's world renowned Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Passing out from Sandhurst marks the completion of 44 weeks of intensive
military and academic training, combined with adventurous training and sporting
challenges. By the time Officer Cadets have graduated they enjoy immediate
leadership responsibilities, where they will be in charge of a platoon of 30
soldiers, managing their skills, workloads and welfare.
With friends and family in the audience, Patrick and all the graduating Officer
Cadets took part in the Sovereign's Parade in front of Her Majesty's
representatives. The parade is a key milestone for every Army Officer and has
been run at the end of each term for over 200 years.
Life as an Army Officer comes with challenge, responsibility and guaranteed
progression; preparing you for your future life inside and outside of the Army.
Officers could find themselves leading highly trained platoons, taking part in
peacekeeping missions or helping to deliver humanitarian aid around the world.
Patrick said:- "Being part of an elite group of people that have graduated
as British Army Officers from Sandhurst makes me extremely proud. It's one of
the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken, but also one of the most
rewarding. The training and support I have received has been excellent and I
cannot wait to start putting it into practise and to be given the chance to make
my contribution on operations, adventure training, and missions overseas. I
would recommend an officer career to anyone looking for an exciting job away
from the mundane 9 to 5."
The parade ended in traditional fashion with the Academy Adjutant following the
Officer Cadets up the steps and through the grand entrance, mounted on his
horse.
Major General Paul Nanson, Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, said:-
"Congratulations to all our Officer Cadets on their commissions. The
Cadets have come from a wide variety of backgrounds, many have come straight
from university, some from sixth form and some from within the Army's soldier
ranks, but they will now all embark on their Army careers with the same
outstanding training. Sandhurst is not easy, but it provides opportunities to
learn much more beyond military skills; it offers unrivalled leadership
training, preparation for life outside the Army and guaranteed career
progression. The Army is always looking for its next generation of leaders to
take up the challenge of an officer career and, over the past 44 weeks, the
cadets have demonstrated real dedication, determination and professionalism.
I look forward to seeing each of them realise their full potential as they
embark on their careers with the Army."
After a formal lunch with friends, family and regimental officers, the day
concluded in spectacular and celebratory style at the exclusive commissioning
ball. There, at the stroke of midnight, the newly commissioned Second
Lieutenants proudly displayed their rank insignia for the first time.
To join the Regular Army as an officer, candidates must be 18 to 26 years of age,
attained at least 7 GCSEs (with a minimum grade C in English Language, Maths and
either a science or a foreign language) and also have 180 UCAS Tariff points
from a maximum of 3 A level subjects.
Applicants attend a 2 day Army Officer Selection Board briefing, where
leadership and teamwork skills are tested. Candidates then go to the selection
board, which consists of a 3 day assessment of physical and mental suitability
for the role. Those successful, embark on a 44 week course taking place at the
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Recruits earn a starting salary of £25,472 whilst they train. This rises to
£30,617 when they are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. After 5 years
officers can be earning at least £39,236 as a Captain.
For more information about the exciting career opportunities available in the
Army search "Army Officer" or visit the MOD's
website.
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