Officer Cadet Lizzy Millwater - 2 Section, 4 Platoon

I first heard about the amazing opportunities in the UOTC from friends who were already at university.

However, it was not until I saw the UOTC stand at the university Freshers' Fair that I seriously considered joining.

After going along to the open evening and talking to the officer cadets I decided to join to prove that you don't have to be a serious action man to be part of Liverpool UOTC. Since joining the UOTC I have met some fabulous people who have become good friends.

Furthermore, not only does the UOTC provide me with many varied opportunities, from Gold Duke of Edinburgh to numerous adventure training expeditions, but I am also paid for every training evening and UOTC-related activity which I attend.

One of my many highlights of being an Army Officer Cadet was the skiing adventurous training that I went on in the French Alps over Easter.

In true OTC style it was an amazing week which resulted in lots of brilliant memories and the completion of one of my basic adventure training qualifications.

Similarly, the various Arms and Services in the Army hold annual weekend competitions and I was fortunate enough to attend the Royal Signals weekend.

This was a perfect combination of socialising with the other UOTC units and developing my knowledge and leadership skills, and all the while competing for my unit.

I would definitely say that the UOTC has improved my employability, through adding to my CV and distinguishing me from other people in my peer group; being an Army Officer Cadet has certainly opened a lot of doors for me in regards to work experience and job prospects.

However, as well as adding numerous skills to my repertoire, some of which I never expected to have before joining such as first aid and survival training, the UOTC has also increased my active social life.

The UOTC bar is one of the cheapest in the university and that the Army Officer Cadets enjoy socialising as much as all the sports teams.

Not only do we socialise after the training evenings, but there are also frequent fancy dress socials and formal dinners spread across the year. As for whether I would recommend UOTC to a friend, I most certainly would.

Being part of the OTC makes you stand out from other people, it increases your confidence and changes the way you present yourself. The opportunities which arise from being an Army Officer Cadet are just not available elsewhere in the university; the memories and friendships which come from being a part of this UOTC are lifelong and unforgettable.