Page 18 - The Light Blue Volunteer Journal 2021

Commissioning Course Short 212 Jun-Jul 21
This summer, after three years in CUOTC I had the chance to become the unit’s newest Second Lieutenant. Unsurprisingly, Covid had prevented much of the in-person field weekends that are so key to officer development from going ahead. So as my Sandhurst start date approached, my preparation was predominantly fitness based, consisting of body weight sessions
and running, four or so times a week. However, in the nick of time the restrictions relaxed allowing us to
have one final vital weekend before
I departed. On this, we undertook a TEWT, following the 7-question format while perching on a hillside in Kent that overlooking our objective. I presented my COA to OC and CO for them to scrutinise and offer advice on how to improve, which I promptly took away and applied to a few practices from the comfort of my living room.
I joined Sandhurst for Module C, which
is predominantly the testing phase where you prove that you can apply what you have learnt in Module B to more complex situations. One of the toughest being the 7 questions and orders, which places cadets into a scenario not at all dissimilar to that which CUOTC had placed me
in just weeks before. This exercise was my biggest concern going in, and the staff at Cambridge had perfectly placed me to tackle it head on. Their points for improvement highlighted to me earlier, gave me the prompt and time to practice in order to build my confidence so that I could tackle it smoothly on the day.
Sandhurst itself taught me that there is always a bit more in the tank, whether it’s the fortitude to rapidly formulate a plan when the ammunition is beginning to run low and all eyes are upon you; the extra boost of energy for that final 100 yards of the stretcher carry (through a stream!); or the strength to dig a shell-scrape after a day of section attacks – it always seems
to be there, and you would be surprised what you can manage when challenged with the prospect of reward at the end.
Following my commission, my next stop is with the infantry, in A Company London Scottish who form part of the London Regiment. In the coming months I hope to go the Platoon Commanders Battle Course (PCBC) before taking up my full position as a Platoon Commander.
2Lt Rennie
18 THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER