Junior Under Officer Josh Sleeman - 1 Platoon Sergeant

I joined the UOTC on the advice of a friend who had been an officer cadet at Southampton.

I was looking for something to replace the gap in my life that had developed after I had left the Army Cadets and the UOTC provided the perfect solution.

The best thing about the UOTC is the friendships I have made here that I am sure will stay with me forever.

The UOTC gives me the opportunity to do the 'down and dirty' military training that gives me the perfect balance to my university life.

As far as qualifications are concerned, I have become a Mountain Bike Instructor and a Physical Training Instructor.

I have passed all the leadership qualifications and picked up medals for shooting and awards for military competitions such as the regional brigade's patrols championship.

I have had the chance to travel to Belgium on a battlefield tour and take part in some fantastic exercises.

This year I will complete my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award with the UOTC. Above all, I have had the privilege of leading other students and learning a massive amount about myself.

In sum - it is the best way to use your spare time at university and all for a good wage. I would recommend the UOTC to anyone who wants a challenge or wants to acquire some useful qualifications for life; it is also a great way to push oneself to new limits.

It is a good taster of the military environment, but, even if you are not interested in joining the Army (and most don't), you should give it a go. If you don't, you'll never know what you've missed!