Manchester and Salford University Officers' Training Corps recruits approximately 100 new officer cadets during Fresher's Fair each year. 

The Interview

During Freshers' Week, potential candidates are welcome to come into University Barracks and meet members of both the Regular and Territorial Army staff as well as students from the OTC.

There's a short interview which will ask you why you are interested in joining and what qualities you have to offer. Look out for our Recruiting Team at the Freshers' Fair or just call in a the Barracks if you want to know more about what we do.

The Medical

Following a successful interview, you will be invited to attend the standard medical examination for new Army recruits.  All medical examinations are held at University Barracks in Manchester City Centre.  We test your eyesight, hearing and general physical fitness. There are some medical conditions that will prevent you from joining. For more information, go to Joining the UOTC for full details on eligibility and entry requirements.

Selection weekend

Once you have been confirmed to join, you will be allocated a place on the MSUOTC Selection weekend at Warcop Training Camp in Cumbria. This is a challenging but very enjoyable weekend. The weekend starts on Friday evening when everyone meets at University Barracks and travels by coach to Warcop.

After a full cooked breakfast on Saturday morning, candidates are split up into syndicates. Each syndicate, for the rest of the weekend, completes a number of activities including a basic physical fitness test, abseiling down a 50ft climbing tower and working out a number of practical problems on the ground as a team.  The end of the day is a party with a 'student price' bar and disco.  

You will return to University Barracks on Sunday evening to a hot supper and celebrations for surviving the challenge. Results of the Selection Weekend will be sent out on the Monday morning and successful candidates will attend their first training event that Wednesday afternoon.