Almost 800 officer cadets from universities across the UK have taken part in a month-long training camp in Germany. The camp combined military exercises, adventure training and cultural visits in the largest exercise of its kind ever undertaken by the University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC).
Officer cadets during urban combat training.
Officer cadets during rural combat training.
Officer cadets during urban combat training.
Officer cadets during urban combat training.
The students travelled to Germany last month for their annual training. The four-week camp, twice the length of last year's exercise, brought cadets together to develop their military leadership skills alongside their peers, while also giving them the opportunity to experience life within the wider British Army community stationed in Germany. To manage the scale of the camp, the units were split into two groups, with some taking part in the first two weeks and more arriving for the second two.
WO1 Ricky Alderman, Regimental Sergeant Major of Northumbria UOTC, said: "It's really exciting for all the officer cadets to have that opportunity for coming together. It's a great chance to meet new people, network with people you hadn't seen before, and it's incredible to see it all come together."
We've had access to some great training areas, and by consolidating with other units, we're able to share best practice and make efficiencies. The cadets can also meet others from different universities and spread that network.
Lieutenant Colonel Tim Badham, Commanding Officer of Northumbria UOTC, explained why Germany offered something the UK could not: “We’re based in the Northeast, so my cadets have spent six months training in some pretty bleak weather. But it's more profound than that. It's about opportunity. We've had access to some great training areas, and by consolidating with other units, we're able to share best practice and make efficiencies. The cadets can also meet others from different universities and spread that network."
Urban assault training at ‘Tin City’
At the Sennelager training area, cadets took part in urban and rural fighting exercises, putting into practice the skills and tactics they have developed throughout the year.
Urban assault skills were trained at ‘Tin City’, a dedicated urban training area within Sennelager designed to simulate built-up environments. There, officer cadets gained skills in assaulting, clearing and taking control of buildings, learning techniques such as ‘stacking up’ before entry and clearing rooms and stairways. Cadets then put these skills into practice using blank firing ammunition and smoke grenades during early morning assaults as part of the final exercise test.
We had to work as a team to defeat the enemy waiting for us, and eventually captured one of the opposing force. It was probably the most tiring thing I've ever done, but it beats sitting in a classroom. It feels real, and it's such fun.
Officer Cadet Ingram, from Northumbria UOTC, described taking part in section attacks: “We had to work as a team to defeat the enemy waiting for us, and eventually captured one of the opposing forces. It was probably the most tiring thing I've ever done, but it beats sitting in a classroom. It feels real, and it's such fun."
Adventure training
Alongside their military training, cadets took part in a programme of adventure training, including mountain biking at Winterberg, which tested their physical fitness and resilience in the German countryside. Lieutenant Colonel Badham singled this out as one of the highlights of the camp, describing the riding as "beautiful" and praising the hospitality shown by their German hosts.
Cadets also took part in a sports day, including a hotly contested tug of war competition, won by Northwest Officers' Training Regiment.
Visit to Bundeswehr
Officer Cadets received an introduction to a Bundeswehr helicopter.
Officer Cadets received an introduction to 'Puma' Infantry Fighting Vehicle of the German Army.
Soldiers of the Bundeswehr introduced officer cadets of the British and German Army to weapon systems currently in use.
Cadets visited a German Army camp in Augustdorf, where they saw the Puma and Boxer infantry fighting vehicles up close, alongside a static helicopter display, offering valuable insight into the equipment and capability of the German armed forces, known as the Bundeswehr.
While at the camp, cadets also took part in virtual firing exercises on a laser-guided shooting range, honing their marksmanship skills in a controlled and safe environment.
The German Army organised an interesting day for us and they put some of their own young cadets who are aspiring to become officers into our groups, so they got the chance to speak to them and exchange experiences.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Howard, Commanding Officer of Northwestern Officer Training Regiment, said: “The German Army organised an interesting day for us and they put some of their own young cadets who are aspiring to become officers into our groups, so they got the chance to speak to them and exchange experiences. What's always reassuring is that level of rapport, friendship and camaraderie that exists irrespective of what denomination or makeup you are.”
Battlefield study in Berlin
The camp also included a cultural and historical dimension, with cadets travelling to Berlin for a battlefield study, a new addition this year that WO1 Alderman said had proved hugely popular. Lieutenant Colonel Badham described the trip as one of the standout moments of the camp, giving cadets the opportunity to reflect on the history of conflict in the region and consider the lessons of past campaigns in the context of modern military operations.
A record-breaking camp
Officer cadets of the British Army on Parade at a Bundeswehr military establishment. In the foreground, soldiers of the german army hosting the british contingent during a visit at Augustdorf Army Barracks.
With almost 800 cadets taking part, this year's exercise marked the largest UOTC training camp ever held, reflecting the growing scale and ambition of officer cadet training across the UK.
Delivering a camp of this scale required significant planning. Captain Thomas Conway of 103 Regiment Royal Artillery described the planning phase as "intense and challenging". A reservist and veterinary surgeon in civilian life, he began the process in October 2025. "The reward for all this effort is seeing it all fall into place and observing the smiles and excitement on the faces of the officer cadets after completing this exercise," he said.
The University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC), originally founded in 1908, is a part-time Army Reserve unit for students, offering military training alongside university studies. Cadets develop leadership, teamwork and resilience skills through weekly training, exercises and adventurous training whether or not they go on to pursue a career in the Armed Forces. There is no obligation to join the Army after completing UOTC training, making it a popular choice for students looking to challenge themselves and build skills for life, regardless of their future career.
For more information about a career in the Army, visit the Army Jobs website.
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