Page 56 - Mercian Eagle Year of 2023

commissioned Officers will remember when they undertook the notorious weeks 1 – 5..
Week 5 Drill Test
The British Army employs foot drill as a foundational aspect of military training for many reasons. Firstly, it cultivates discipline and precision, essential attributes for soldiers operating in complex and high- stakes environments. The synchronised movements instil a sense of unity, fostering a cohesive and efficient force. Additionally, foot drill enhances communication and teamwork, as soldiers must act in unison
to execute commands. This training not only ensures a polished and professional appearance but also lays the groundwork for effective collaboration in challenging scenarios, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the British Army in the field. The accumulation of weeks 1-5 is the drill test where each OCdt is put through their paces on Old College Square. The event
is organised and judged by Old College RSM and the event is the first key milestone in their Officer journeys. On successful completion of the event OCdts are given a long weekend, which is the first time they would have been able to leave the Academy. Most use this weekend to catch up on sleep.
Exercise Longreach
Exercise LONG REACH is often cited
as keystone memory by alumni of the Academy and for good reason. The 36-hour,
c.60km endurance exercise is the first real test for the Officer Cadets of Junior Term as they patrol across the Welsh Black Mountains, no longer under the watchful eye of the Colour Sergeants. Navigational skills and physical and mental robustness are pushed beyond normal bounds. Throughout the exercise, patrols must pass through a series of manned (MCP) and unmanned (UMCP) checkpoints,
the manned CPs each having their own individual command tasks. These tasks are designed to test situational thinking in sleep-deprived, arduous environments and range from transporting burdens across ‘minefields’ to strategic coordination of intelligence drop offs.
Sovereigns Parade
The Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal
Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) is
a prestigious ceremony held three times
a year in which officer cadets graduate
and are commissioned as officers into the British Army. It is attended by members of the royal family, and the reviewing officer is typically a member of the royal family or a senior military figure. The parade marks the completion of the intensive training program at RMAS and symbolises the cadets’ transition from Officer Cadet to Second Lieutenant.
As I write this on the dawn of my 7th Sovereign’s parade as RSM and my 12th in total. I have witnessed over 2000 Officers
International Cadets outside Old College having successfully passed the Drill test
Callsign A13B approaching XRAY Unmanned Checkpoint
Commission and march up the steps of Old College. I myself will finally make this transition from Soldier to Officer and to go up the steps. I have met many members of UK and Foreign royalty in my tenure. I implore my fellow Mercians to seek out opportunities at RMAS as either an Officer or SNCO. It is an excellent place to work and the environment is like no other.
Mercians at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
The Mercian Regiment continues to be well represented at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst with Officer Cadet facing instructors and amongst the wider staff. In the colleges, WO1 James Timperley begins his final term as Regimental Sergeant Major Old College before moving onto his next role as a Late Entry Officer. Capt Tom Margetts and CSgt Dan Hutton remain, switching between Old and New College ensuring the Regiment remains front and centre for the Officer Cadets. Replacing WO1 Timperley was going to be tough so a huge congratulations
to WO1 Adam Cartledge, who is returning to RMAS as the Combined Arms Manoeuvre Support Wing Sergeant Major on promotion in 2024.
Amongst the wider staff at RMAS, Lt Col Dean Canham OBE leads the Centre for Army Leadership and Lt Col Adrian Garrett is revolutionising the Commissioning Course as the lead officer for Project ADAIR – modernising Officer training and ensuring our Junior Officers are prepared for combined arms manoeuvre and conventional warfighting. Maj Phil Price holds the Academy together in his role as SO2 Ops and Plans, CSgt Dave Tomlinson keeps us in check as the Training Assurance SNCO and LCpl Adam Eyre provides all the morale as a Storeman in New College.
The wider Mercian Family at RMAS is a fantastic home from home; and while nothing quite compares to Regimental Duty,
we maintain our bond as Mercians, ensuring that the Regiment’s family ethos continues at RMAS. This is not missed by the
Officer Cadets and remains one of our major selling points when recruiting the next generation of Mercian Officers. Critical to the recruitment process, is the Officer Cadets exposure to excellent Mercian SNCOs so it is fantastic news that the Regiment has four
© Tempest Photography
CSgt instructor candidates on the next RMAS Cadre. Instructing at RMAS is a rewarding and privileged role, with the opportunity to make a life-changing impact upon the future leaders of the Army. We wish the best of luck to the soon-to-be Colour Sergeant Instructors. The Regiment continues to recruit excellent Officer Cadets and our congratulations must go to newly commissioned 2Lt Aiden Roberts and OCdt Jack Austin, due to commission into the Mercian Regiment in April 2024.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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