Officer Cadet Alex Pattison - Platoon Commander - 9 Platoon

I came to University with the intention of joining the UOTC because I had, for a long time been interested in a career in the Army, and was told by my careers officer that the UOTC would give me a good insight.

My first year in the UOTC was a uniquely diverse experience with a whole range of activities and challenges spread across the year. Weekly training in the UOTC took place on Tuesday nights. These training evenings were not only critical to the year’s programme with some key topics being taught, but were also a fantastic opportunity to hit the mess after training and take part in some of the most unforgettable socials that University life has to offer

Weekends away with the UOTC offered a challenging yet enjoyable experience and the sense of achievement felt at the end of every weekend was like no other.

During my first year, I completed the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) and was offered the opportunity to go on a month long fast track course- Exercise Summer Leader. The course took place in Sennelager, Germany and is designed to compress the 2nd year UOTC syllabus into a month long intensive exercise. I can honestly say the month away, although challenging at times, was the most rewarding exercise that I have taken part in over the whole UOTC year. Now that I have completed Modules 1, 2 and 3 of the UOTC syllabus and passed AOSB I am looking forward to the new challenge of the TA Commissioning Course.

As well as all the military training available in UOTC there is a wide range of Adventure Training. So far I have taken part in mountaineering and high ropes courses. Next year I am hoping to complete my instructing qualifications in both Mountaineering and Rock climbing which will hopefully lead me on to organising an expedition.

UOTC is an experience like no other. In the space of my first year I have been challenged, learnt new skills, met some life-long friends and taken part in some truly memorable socials. I look forward to my 2nd year in UOTC and all that it will bring