Firstly, check the first page of the wider UOTC site and check if you are actually eligible - it'll save a fair bit of inconvenience if you are too old, too young or ineligible to join.

If you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student at Plymouth or Exeter University or at one of the higher education establishments in the South West you can apply to join Exeter University Officer Training Corps. You should have at least two years left at University.

Each year, applicants are invited to attend a Selection Weekend to see if they like what they see and if they have what it takes. However, the best criterion for selection is that you really want to join. On enlistment, members become volunteer 'Officer Cadets' (OCdts) of the Territorial Army.

We have far more people wanting to join than spaces so, be warned, to become a part of EUOTC will not be easy and the competition is fierce. You will not be able to just walk into this, you will have to earn your place. To do this these are the dates you must set aside right now so that you can make it:

Come to the unit for one familiarisation visit at Wyvern Barracks (transport will be laid on from both Universities) on one of the following dates:

• Briefing night - 23 September 2013
• Briefing night - 24 September 2013
• Briefing night - 25 September 2013

Attend selection weekend: 27-29 September 2013 Selection weekend

Attend the following training weekend: 11-13 October 2013 Training weekend 1

And the first in the field: 08-10 November 2013 Training weekend 2

You will not be able to join us if you miss any of these stepping stones. So, clear your diary, fix these separate dates in and don't be in the position of kicking yourself later in the year.

If you are unsure about this we'll have a stand at the Freshers' events at both universities manned by OCdts, who will be only a year ahead of you, who'll let you know how good it really is. So ask them - they'll even give you their e-mail addresses so you can contact them after the fairs with any further questions you have.

Oh, and on the selection weekend you will be asked to do a run, do some sit-ups and some press-ups so spend the last few weeks of your gap year getting a bit fitter.

Good luck.