Initial Officer Training at Sandhurst

The development and training of Army Cadet Force Officers is taken very seriously by our organisation, which recognises that our future direction and success lies in the hands of our leaders. Officer training emphasises personal development and leadership skills, whilst always placing the welfare and safety of the cadets and adults at the heart of all our decision making. For me personally, the opportunity to go to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where all British Army Officers are trained, was an exciting one. I thought that being able to train in such a prestigious place would be an inspiration, and I was not disappointed.

(Above) all the students on the steps of Old College.

Initial Officer Training (IOT) is a 2-part course that provides a  foundation in leadership. I had completed my initial Developmental Module, held at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, last March. This course focused on what it means to be an Army Cadet officer and revolved around the philosophy of leadership, looking at different leadership styles and models.

(Above) Colonel Ilić addresses the students.

At Sandhurst I was attending the Confirmatory Module (CM), along with around 80 other junior officers. The CM course shifts from theory to applying leadership in practice. The teaching revolves around practical teamwork tasks, including working together to find a list of specified objects, and practical problem-solving exercises in which it is necessary for the group to work out solutions to an ever-changing series of problems. Throughout the training, there is strong emphasis on the course being a safe space to try and, in some cases, to fail, and learn from the experience. I was particularly impressed with the course leaders’ efforts to establish a kind and supportive environment, and to encourage teamwork and mutual support.

(Above) walking past New College on our way to dinner.

RMA  Sandhurst is the best possible location to learn, being an environment packed with history and inspiring examples from generations of Army Officers who have gone before. The Academy is widely regarded as one of the best leadership training establishments in the world. The course leaders are all highly experienced and passionate Army Cadet officers who were able to guide myself and fellow students with the benefit of their expertise.

(Above) The meal in the Indian Army Memorial room.

I particularly enjoyed the formal army dinner and the tour of RMA Sandhurst. The dinner was preceded by a lecture on army dinning etiquette, but despite the formality (or perhaps because of it!) turned out to be a lot of fun. It was especially notable for being held in the Indian Army Memorial Room, a grand and inspirational venue. During the tour of the Academy, Colonel Ilić MBE QGM, the Director of ACF IOT, was keen to impress upon us the relationship between Army Officers and those of the ACF. Whilst ACF officers are clearly not exposed to the dangers of the battlefield, he nonetheless encouraged us to draw inspiration from the service, sacrifice and leadership of generations of previous Army officers. A particularly memorable highlight of the tour was our visit to The Royal Memorial Chapel, a remarkable and beautiful building which commemorates thousands of fallen British Army Officers. Visiting the chapel was a deeply moving, inspiring and sobering experience.

(Above) paying our respects at the chapel.

I enjoyed both modules, and more importantly, learned from them. Both courses emphasised teamwork and care for those around you. They have helped me return to my county feeling more confident, empowered and looking forward to applying what I have learned.

(Above) Graduation.

The course concluded with a photo on the steps of Old College, and a graduation ceremony, again in the Indian Army Memorial Room, where Colonel Ilić presented us with our certificates. I believe that we all felt deeply proud to have reached that milestone, and were inspired to take what we had learned back to our counties and apply it for the benefit of our cadets. For many of us, the conclusion of our Initial Officer Training will be just the beginning.

Text by 2Lt Doug Stuart. Course photos thanks to Army Cadet Force Initial Officer Training with additional pictures by 2Lt Stuart.