Head of the Armed Forces reveals unflattering nickname he had as an officer cadet
The head of the Armed Forces has revealed how he was given an unusual nickname when he was an officer cadet – and it was all down to his lack of expertise at drill.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the Chief of the Defence Staff, made the admission during a visit to the latest commissioning parade at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth.
He told the cadets his unfortunate nickname was "Tick-Tock Radakin" – a name given to him due to his performance on the parade ground and, in particular, the way he marched.
Adm Sir Tony told the waiting cadets: "I'm delighted to be here to share in your special day.
"All of us, you come back to Dartmouth, find ourselves reminiscing about our time here.
"My thanks to the band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Plymouth, whose wonderful music brings all those memories flooding back.
"When I was a cadet here, I was known as 'Tick-Tock Radakin' or even 'Round Again Radakin'.
"Now that might be amusing to you and me, but I know that's devastating to your ceremonial training officer, Warrant Officer Ramsey.
"I'm very sorry, Mr Ramsey, but it does go to show there's hope for all of you."
In terms of drill and turnout, marching is often described as exaggerated walking.
Immediately on receiving the command "quick march", the left foot is forced forward a full marching pace, while at the same time, the right arm is forced forward and the left arm to the rear.
Tick-tocking, on the other hand, messes up this very particular way of marching, where the same leg and arm go forward together.
Drill instructors emphasise how it's actually quite hard to tick-tock, as doing so is unnatural.
And yet some recruits in all three services still manage to find a way to do so.
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