Page 86 - MERCIAN Eagle 2018

84 THE MERCIAN EAGLE
RMAS
Life as an RMAS Instructor – CSgt J Massey
SNCO’s at the top of their game and unsure where to move on to after finishing as a Platoon Sgt
need to consider RMAS. It is one of the best kept secrets in the British Army, guarded by the fact many are wary of the risk of taking on the cadre. If you’ve been an instructor at depot you will know how rewarding it is to train troops, but this is the next level up. Never has hard-work reaped so much reward.
While the cadets under your command will look similar and often make mistakes that a sixteen- year-old at AFC Harrogate would, the learning curve is much steeper for the Cadets and the ranks are filled with potential future Generals, often overseas Royals and highly motivated individuals that not only want to be there but are desperate to serve and command soldiers. It makes a great work environment.
Sandhurst really is a unique and varied place
to work and you will struggle to get more variety or fulfilment over a two-year posting. Whether it be conducting Platoon attacks on Sennybridge training area or teaching the slow march on Old College drill square. Some cadets pick things quicker than others; my Palestinian cadet told me the first time we spoke he couldn’t understand me – by the second week he could name the starting Villa XI.
Highlights include a battlefield tour to Normandy, several exercises in Bavaria, plenty of fitness with the cadets and plenty of exercises where you
get to see how far your cadets have come under your guidance. You also get to shape officer cadets who join every part of the Army and just
as importantly you have the chance to recruit and retain the best cadets from every intake to join the MERCIAN regiment. With your input being vital when back briefing the Colonel of the Regiment at Regiment Selection Boards.
Other benefits include knowing your leave dates for the whole of your two-year post, working closely with International Cadets from all over the world, plenty of sporting opportunities; the Permanent Staff football team having a strong Mercian presence and are therefore quite successful! The camp itself is more of a stately home, even the PFA is an interesting route. The fitness facilities are the best that the Army has to offer and the location in the centre of Camberley provides a base for a good social life and London is only 40 mins away.
It is a great feeling commissioning a Platoon
and watching them march up the famous steps of Old College that only those that have instructed at RMAS will know and appreciate. We had Prince William oversee our Sovereigns parade; where else do you get your work approved by a future King?
Baltic – CSgt Massey on exercise in Germany with the Senior Term
OTHER UNITS