The Initial Officer Training Programme (IOT)

The IOT is a mandatory 2-part course and will provide you with a strong foundation in leadership on which to build your Army Cadet officer career.

The IOT is divided into two modules. You will start with the Developmental Module (DM), which focuses on what it means to be an Army Cadet officer; key leadership models and how they apply to your role in the ACF or CCF.

Once you complete the DM, you will progress to the Confirmatory Module (CM), where the emphasis shifts to applying leadership in practice. This stage allows you to consolidate and test the knowledge introduced in the DM and experience gained since, in an inclusive and supportive experiential training environment.

The programme is delivered using pioneering experiential learning techniques, enabling you to fully engage with understanding yourself as a leader, as well as developing a deeper understanding of those you lead.

The IOT utilises elements of residential training, 1:1 coaching and self-learning. Courses are held at the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in Grantham or the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where all British Army officers are trained.

The Academy is widely regarded as one of the best leadership training establishments in the world. The IOT faculty is made up of highly experienced and passionate Army Cadet officers, in conjunction with some of the UK’s best leadership experts and facilitators.