Cadets

10 Tips For Surviving Officer Cadet Training

A young officer cadet from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst takes part in preparation training for The Sandhurst Cup at the United States Military Academy at Westpoint, USA.

Are you thinking of embarking on a training course at Sandhurst, Cranwell, Britannia or Lympstone?

During officer training, you will without a doubt gain invaluable leadership skills and build lifelong friendships. You'll also spend hundreds of hours ironing (and even more time trying not to complain about it).

Here are ten tips to help you survive.

The Army Reserves Consolidated Course Commissioning Parade at the Royal military Academy Sandhurst

1. Work together, you will be surprised everyone has strengths in different areas. Pull through as a team, it will make you stronger.

2. Make your bed the night before for inspection. Cover with a sheet for protection and sleep on top in your sleeping bag - gives you an extra 20 minutes of sleep.

3. It’s all a big game - play along and be objective. Don’t take it personally. Every platoon will have a tough week. It’s deliberate and sent to try you.

Pictured are Officer Cadets from Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) on Exercise Dynamic Victory at Grafenwoehr & Hohenfels Training area, Bavaria, Germany. — Officer Cadets from Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) on Exercise Dynamic Victory at Grafenwoehr & Hohenfels Training area, Bavaria, Germany.

4. Practice some public speaking and possibly get involved in a debate team prior to your course. This will build upon self-confidence.

5. Splash out and get a high-pressure steam generator iron and large ironing board. This will give you extra sleeping time.

6. Take time to see the funny side of the trying times. These will be your lasting memories.

7. Get Bluetooth headphones that way you can chat on the phone easily while ironing.

A newly qualified Royal Marine of 122 Troop Kings Squad is pictured during a passing out parade. The ceremony took place on the Parade ground at Commando Training Centre, Lympstone. The presenting officer for the occasion was Colonel Hutton CTCRM Director of Training. — Pictured: A newly qualified Royal Marine of 122 Troop Kings Squad during a passing out parade. The ceremony took place on the Parade ground at Commando Training Centre, Lympstone.

8. Buy a full set of matching wooden hangers.

9. After being out in the field, don’t waste time scrubbing kit or queueing for washing machines/outdoor taps. Take kit to the local laundrette - your Bergen even fits in.

10. Different situations and personalities call upon different styles of leadership. Don’t be frightened to test and adjust.

A big thank you to Major Kelly Tait for the tips.