Page 3 - The Light Blue Volunteer Journal 2021

Commanding Officer’s Foreword
I trust that this foreword finds all
our Light Blue Volunteers in good health. The staff and officer cadets of Cambridge University Officer Training Corps have faced many challenges over the past 12 months, but COVID has
also presented new opportunities,
and renewed our vigour. I hope that
you will find this edition of the LBV journal packed full of familiar activity demonstrating that we are (almost) back in business.
The summer exercise in Dorset
was well attended and provided our officer cadets with an eclectic military experience, including outstanding access to military training, the Armoured Trials and Development Unit and drone experimentation units. The cadets also conducted a survival exercise and a variety of Adventurous Training activities. We were one of just a few UOTCs which managed to get people together this summer and without an incident of COVID.
We’ve also been able to restore our commitment to the Cambrian Patrol,
this year’s competition has been widely recognised as the toughest patrol for years, with many regular and reserve units failing to finish or coming away empty-handed. Despite very few days
in the field, our mixed gender team commanded by 2Lt Alice Walton-Knight came back with a Bronze medal. This is a fantastic reflection of the team’s fortitude and CSgt Stafford’s thorough preparation - we are extremely proud of them.
I’m also pleased to be able to recast the CUOTC narrative aimed at re- establishing and building stronger relations with external stakeholders and University staff. CUOTC provides practical leadership and personal development opportunities in a military setting. We support all graduate outcomes, not just those that lead to
a career in the Army. This is because civilian advocates in society who understand the military purpose is
not just important it is vital. I hope this gives you an insight into how I intend to doggedly pursue opportunity for the benefit of our cadets over the next 12 months.
For many of you this will be a recognisable return to our roots and deliberately places every Officer Cadet at the centre of our purpose. We must make the exclusive membership of our LBV alumni an attractive part of our cadet offer - we have something very special that many UOTCs are now seeking to replicate.
Thank you for being a valued member and for your support, I look forward to meeting you all at this year’s LBV Annual Dinner at Newnham College and at future events.
Lt Col Adrian Garrett,
CO CUOTC
‘By Learning You Will Lead’
THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER 3