Royal Artillery Potential Officer Courses

Interest Visits and Potential Officer Courses are run at the Artillery Centre, Larkhill, near Salisbury in Wiltshire. These courses are open to anyone interested in a career as an army officer and specifically in finding out more about the Royal Artillery. During the course you can see for yourself, without obligation, what a career as a 'Gunner' Officer has to offer. You will almost certainly enjoy it and it could change your life.

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When are the courses run?

Courses are run almost every month. The latest dates are below:

3 Day Potential Officer Course

A course aimed primarily at under-graduate and graduate potential officers who are intending to enter RMAS within the next two years. This is your chance to gather the information you will need to help your choice-of-arm decision in term one at Sandhurst. Those who intend to enter RMAS as non-graduates are also encouraged to attend.
You can see for yourself, over three days, what life in the 'Gunners' is all about. Accommodated in the Officers' Mess, you will get the chance to meet a variety of newly commissioned officers who will be able to tell you about life at Sandhurst and their own reasons for joining the Royal Artillery. You will be briefed about the Royal Artillery and the role that you, as a junior officer, would take on.
We will take you onto Salisbury Plain and spend a morning live firing with a light gun battery. This will give you an excellent opportunity to speak to some of our soldiers - the men and women you could end up leading. There are several physical and team building activities, so make sure you are fairly fit and are prepared for a bit of hard work.
You will also be interviewed which will give you the chance to ask questions and allow the interviewing officer to discuss the best route forward for you. The whole course is designed to give you a detailed insight into life as a Royal Artillery Officer and is regarded by all as great fun!

Course Dates 
28 Feb-1 Mar 2012 (full)
19-21 Mar 2012
2-4 Apr 2012

They do fill up very quickly. You need to book in advance.

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Pre RMAS RAIV

A one day interest visit five days ahead of entering Sandhurst, for those who were unable to do a Potential Officer Course. It consists of a briefing on the Gunners, lunch with the current YOs and a look at RA equipment. This is only for those about to enter Sandhurst.

Course Dates
2 May 2012 (for CC122 only)
3 May 2012 pre RMAS Lunch

RMAS Ex ARTILLERY OBSERVER 14 Feb 2012

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School's RA Interest Visit (RAIV)

RA Interest Visit. A one day visit aimed primarily at potential officers who are either in the upper sixth form or in a gap year before university and have several years to go before joining the Army. It is also for those who have limited time available due to University or work commitments or are just looking out of interest. The visit consists of an introductory briefing about the Royal Artillery, highlighting the huge variety of roles available to a Gunner Officer. An element of physical activity, lunch in the Officers' Mess and a seminar where you can get answers to all those questions bothering you about becoming an army officer. There will be an opportunity to see some of the RA equipment.

Course Dates
30 Mar 2012

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How do I apply?

Speak to your School or University Army Careers Advisor and ask to attend a Royal Artillery Potential Officer Course. Alternatively speak to your local Army Careers Information Office. Be sure to tell them that you are interested in becoming a Royal Artillery Officer. Alternatively if you have any difficulties whatsoever, contact the RA Officer Recruiting Team.