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Sandhurst Visit (October 2009)

As we pulled into the gates at Sandhurst I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who was excited, if not a little apprehensive, of this prestigious training academy where we would be spending the next 24 hours. Upon arrival we were immediately split into our companies. This report details the experiences of Rhine Company.

After unpacking into our spacious single rooms either in Victory Block or the Redoubt we were taken for lunch in the dinner hall by our duty Officer Cadet, who for my section was Officer Cadet Whinton. This was reminiscent of the AOSB where cutlery was already laid out, places set and much to the approval of the students, the food itself was delicious, with plenty of choice.

The girls then had a quick tour of the female accommodation and the types of rooms which we would hopefully be living in in approximately 5 years time. At 14.00 we then had our first lecture on Communication and Applied Behavioural Science (CADS) which is a subject studied by the cadets at Sandhurst.

After this lecture we had a tour of the old college, including the Royal Memorial Chapel which held on the pillars the names of over 6,000 officers who died in WW1 and WW2. As you can imagine it was a very stirring experience to actually sit in the chapel, and of course to walk around and see the lists of those who died, not only during the great wars but also to see the book for modern wars, which is continually updated to reflect those who sadly give their lives in service.

Our tour concluded in front of the gym where we participated in PT. We had a quick tour of the sports facilities which included 2 sports halls, CV and weights equipment as well as a pool.

After supper we were allowed to the swords bar which gave us the perfect opportunity to find out a little bit more about life at Sandhurst from the seniors, who were in their second term there. It was really informative to listen to those who are going through the course. Although it is a tough course, most said that it is enjoyable and that they wouldn’t change going there for the world.

We were advised to get an early night as we had to be fallen in at 06.15 the following morning. I think that most people had similar sentiments to me in the sense that you shouldn’t get up before the sun does, but for cadets at Sandhurst this is a daily occurrence.

After breakfast we watched the impressive display of rifle drill by the seniors and then commenced our morning of lectures, after an address by the commandant. Our first lecture of the day was on leadership in operations and the experiences of one officer who helped to re-establish the Iraqi Officer training college, Imar, after it was bombed and looted. He talked about his time there and the achievements made, as well as tips for leadership in operations other than war. It was inspiring to know what a difference had been made in handing over to the Iraqi forces.

We then had another lecture on Battle Shock also known as Combat Stress. It was especially interesting to learn how the number of Battle Shock casualties have changed in history and what factors have contributed to this. We then sat in on a typical lesson in which the cadets where questioned on the lecture they had just had.

This concluded our trip to Sandhurst, and we departed with an insight into what to expect when we hopefully attend the Academy. I don’t know about the other students, but I am definitely now more determined to attend and inspired to achieve what those cadets have achieved by just being there.

Heather Douglas, Stirling 09E

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