Exeter cadet commissions at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Jamie Courtney, 24, from Exeter joined more than 200 officer cadets in a prestigious graduation ceremony at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. Passing out from Sandhurst marks the completion of 44 weeks of intensive military and academic training for the cadets, combined with adventurous training and sporting challenges.
As part of the ceremony, all the commissioning officer cadets took part in the Sovereign's Parade in front of Her Majesty’s representative, Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie. The parade is a key milestone for every Army officer and has been run at the end of each term for over 200 years. This year’s cadets shared the excitement with friends, family and VIPs who gathered on Old College Square to watch the final challenge of the course.
The graduation ceremony coincides with a nationwide recruitment drive, designed to attract thousands of soldiers across hundreds of exciting roles into the Army over the coming year.
Jamie Courtney, who will be joining the Parachute Regiment said: “To commission as an officer in the British Army makes me extremely proud. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey, and one I would encourage others to consider.
“The training and support I have received has been excellent and I cannot wait to start putting it into practice with the Parachute Regiment. I’m looking forward to the new opportunities open to me now that I am in the Army, and the chance to make my contribution on both operations and humanitarian projects overseas.”
The ceremony ended in traditional fashion with the Adjutant of the College riding a horse up the steps of the Old College, following the commissioning officer cadets through the Grand Entrance.
Lieutenant Colonel Roy Parkinson from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst said: “I am proud to congratulate our officer cadets on the completion of their training at Sandhurst. We are always looking for talented, young people to take up the challenge of a career in the Army, and over the past 44 weeks, the officer cadets have demonstrated real dedication, determination and professionalism. I look forward to seeing each of them realise their full potential as they embark on their careers with the Army.”
After a formal lunch with friends, family and regimental officers, the day concluded in spectacular and celebratory style at the exclusive Commissioning Ball. There, at the stroke of midnight, the newly commissioned Second Lieutenants proudly displayed their rank insignia for the first time.
Brigadier Andrew Jackson, the Director of Recruiting and Training for the Army said: “No matter what your skills or background, the Army has something to offer you and an Army job provides opportunities to learn much more beyond military skills. It will develop you and show you the strengths you didn't know you had.
“No matter what its size, the Army is always recruiting to ensure we have enough quality young officers to sustain the organisation and keep it ready for the challenges of the future. We pride ourselves on recruiting individuals who demonstrate talent and promise, and then provide them with all the training and development opportunities they need.”
For more information about the exciting career opportunities available in the Army search “Join the Army” or visit http://www.army.mod.uk/join/
