Page 23 - LBV 2023

Commissioning Course Short 232
Having begun my military career with Cambridge UOTC during my second year of university, the opportunity to give back and return to the unit having commissioned was an exciting and fulfilling prospect.
Already having completed Modules A/B, I was one of three new joiners to 37 platoon of Dettingen Company at Victory College, all of whom had been together for the past four weeks. This proved to be greatly advantageous, as the platoon had already jelled as one and I quickly assimilated into a well-running and knowledgeable group.
Beginning Module C was an intense start to the course, being immediately thrust into PRACTAC, a summative assessment of the orders and estimate process. Having arrived at Sandhurst straight off the back of final exams I found myself slightly underprepared for what was to come. That being said, my training with Cambridge UOTC proved invaluable in getting me through the initial rounds of assessment. During the first week, we ventured onto Ex Wavell’s Warrior, which brought together the skills and experience gained thus far into platoon level tactics.
Day one consisted of continual platoon strength attacks of in-depth
positions, with each cadet rotating through command appointments.
Day two followed more of the same
with deliberate attacks mixed in with advances to contact, where we entered into harbour routine at around 19:30 followed by orders for a standing patrol that was to leave at 23:30. With Day three following on from the night-time standing patrol that simply merged
into the day, more platoon attacks and command appointments followed. At this point I estimate we had had on average 5 hours sleep in the past 72 hours, of which almost all had none in the past
24. My command appointment on day three was as platoon commander during a LOAC serial, faced with aggressive local nationals who were holding friendly CPERS hostage. A complex situation, which made me rely on soft skills as opposed to blunt force, I successfully negotiated the hostage’s release and came to a compromise that saw all parties happy and achieved the mission. This occurred without a shot being fired, much unlike what occurred during other platoons’ similar attempts. The end of day three saw a welcome visit from the RSM and XO, which made for a nice change
of pace, if only brief. The final attack the day after, saw several more attacks of
in-depth positions.
The rest of Module C was lecture
heavy, focusing on war studies, leadership, and communications. Module D saw a short final exercise that followed more or less that of Wavell’s, as well as lots of preparation for the commissioning parade. A final run through the Wishstream, carrying stretchers and getting submerged in filth wrapped up an enjoyable four weeks at Sandhurst.
The staff and other cadets on the course were what really made my time so special. CCS 232 only cemented my desire to return and complete the regular course, however, before that, I look forward to imparting some of the lessons learnt at Sandhurst back with CUOTC over the coming year.
2Lt James Friend
The King and I
I was a member of Cambridge UOTC from 2019 to 2022. I graduated with First Class Honours in Biomedicine from the University of East Anglia and was awarded an army technical bursary. I started training at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in September 2022 and I am now in my final term here.
On 14 April 2023, I was hugely privileged to speak to King Charles III during the RMAS Sovereign’s Parade. With approximately 750 cadets on parade, the King as the inspecting officer only had time to talk to a couple of cadets from each of the nine platoons within our intake (intermediate term
at the time). I was one of two in my company to speak to the King.
I was further privileged to be selected, as one of just 27 officer cadets, to represent RMAS marching in the King’s Coronation Parade on 6 May 2023. Selection for the King’s Coronation Parade meant that, whilst other officer cadets were able to enjoy two weeks stand-down between training terms, myself and the other selected officer cadets had to forgo twelve days of leave
for Coronation Parade rehearsals. 100% worth it though.
We trained hard and marched several kilometres. The highlight of the training was the full dress rehearsal which took place throughout the night of Tuesday 2/Wednesday 3 May until around 5am. In itself, the rehearsal was an amazing once in a lifetime experience.
On the day of the parade, we drew our weapons from the RMAS armoury in the very early hours of the morning. Following full uniform inspections, we then travelled to Farnborough train station where we, and several hundred more officers and soldiers, travelled to Waterloo station and then marched to Wellington Barracks where we were held for several hours until it was time to form up for the parade – some
two hours in advance of stepping off! With unlimited free food and coffee (plus an ice cream van) we were all very well looked after. I thoroughly enjoyed the small part I played in the King’s Coronation Parade. I’ve never experienced anything like it and there is no tangible way of describing just how surreal it felt marching down The Mall.
Together with the other 26 cadets who participated in the Coronation Parade we will each receive the King’s Coronation Medal. We have been
told we will receive these prior to our commissioning parade on August 11th, 2023, which is something to look forward to.
Now, mid-way through my final term at RMAS, I am due to commission into The Royal Logistic Corps. RMAS has been such a rewarding experience and I am hugely grateful for the opportunities it has presented me with in the space of this year so far.
2Lt Sophie Farrelly
THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER 23