Military Training

Your training will vary depending on the UOTC, but the same basic content is covered. There are two Military Training Qualification tests to take in the first two years , involving written and practical tests. Some UOTCs are infantry units, others also have what we call wings. This means they offer specialist training focused on a particular arm or service, say the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, or the Royal Signals.

Year One Basic training

This year involves getting drilled, getting dirty and getting discipline. Cadets will get a handle on all basic military techniques, from map reading to camouflage, from first aid to weapons training, and from radio procedure to fieldcraft. Other skills include learning how to set up camp at night and how to fire and manoeuvre effectively as part of a team. It's an exciting and challenging year whether you are in an infantry unit or with a specialist wing.

Year two Becoming a Leader

Having learnt how to be a member of an effective military team., the second year teaches cadets how to manage soldiers, equipment, and the battlefield. This involves everything from planning an attack, to giving effective orders and ensuring they are carried out and from directing a constructive debrief after an exercise to ensuring the welfare of all of those under command.

Year three Leadership in Action

An increasing number of cadets choose to go forward for officer selection either in the Regular Army or Territorial Army, others choose to enjoy the remainder of their time in the UOTC as senior cadets. All cadets will have the opportunity to take up the challenge of leading and supervising new recruits.

Leadership Training

Whilst all cadets can learn practical leadership and teamwork from adventure training and military exercises,  the UOTC will also help develop personal strengths and identifying and improving on weaknesses through activities such as 'Command Tasks' that are designed to test leadership in action. There is also the opportunity to gain th City and Guilds Leadership Award, recognised by employers throughout the country.  

Adventure Training

Volunteers normally sign up for the three years they are at university or college but cadets can resign at anytime for any reason. Most enjoy the training and the insights they gain into military life so much that they see it through.  

Having successfully completed basic training, the amount of time Cadets commit to TA activities depends on the amount of time that Cadets can spare.  

However, studies must come first and the OTC training and exercises are structured around the academic calendar.  Most UOTC activities take place during the winter and spring terms with a two week summer camp which is scheduled early to make room for other work and leisure commitments over the vacation.

Training takes place one evening a week as well as some weekends and an annual 15 days camp. There is a minimum requirement to attend 15 training periods and annual camps in order to qualify for an annual financial bonus called a bounty.