Page 7 - The Wish Stream Year of 2022 CREST

‘Two steps forward, one step back – always moving forward’
As someone who had no military experience before arriving at Sandhurst, if I was asked the question; “What defines an Army Officer?” I would have only been able to provide a vague answer derived, mainly, from films and literature portraying a fast-operating, strong, born-to-lead individual, with enough charisma to manoeuvre anyone into and through any battle. However, after only six weeks at the Academy, I am now able to provide a different answer. To be an Officer is multi-faceted and, whilst I am still learning, I hope by the end of my training I will have a more complete answer. One that is concise and rolls off the tongue. Until then, I will leave my answer open.
So, how does one become an Officer of the British Army? In the same way you become anything, training, trust, and dedication to the transition you wish to achieve as an individual. A student of our profession from day one. It all starts the day before the real thing, staring at a packing list with packed suitcases at your feet, thinking you’ve forgotten something. Having
OCdt Hawthorne
gone over the packing list multiple times, I was anxious of what was to come. Looking back, that’s where it starts – being like a ‘coiled spring’ (a term later used often by our Colour Sergeant) ready to bounce into action from the word ‘go’. Arriving on the day, it was like any other long drive. Then I reached Camberley, and the silence filled the car. Looking at my girlfriend, I knew I wouldn’t see her for a while. Five weeks is not a long period of time – it goes in the blink of an eye, and yet each day can feel like a lifetime. After driving through the gates and onto the Old College Square, I said my goodbyes and walked up the stairs towards my dorm; the coils of my spring getting tighter. Would it start once every- one arrived? Or is it calm until Monday morning, when I would have to spring into action? These were the questions I had whilst I met my Platoon, Colour Sergeant, and Platoon Commander, and with some small introductions, Sandhurst train- ing began.
Like a sprinter waiting for the start gun to go off, we stood on the line and sung the national
SANDHURST 5