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The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

RMAS is partly in Berkshire and Surrey

The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is where all army Officers in the British Army are trained – the intensive training course prepares them for senior military life.

Like any large global organisation, the British army requires its senior managers to take their role seriously and with confidence. This course prepares them to lead their soldiers correctly.

More than 80% of Officer Cadets are graduates direct from British universities and from all walks of life, but some arrive with A-Levels or equivalent. Others are already serving soldiers in the army who have been selected for Officer training and some come from overseas, having been chosen by their own armies to come to train at Sandhurst – this miltiary academy has a world wide reputation for excellance. This is why many commonwealth countries send their own military officers to Sandhurst for training, this is a tradition that goes back several decades. Some famous trainees include Arabian Kings and Princes also from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, the late King Hussein of Jordan and several Princes, European Dukes and Kings, Kings from Thailand, the first president of Pakistan, and several members of the current British Royal Family and many more, including famous artists, muscians, academics, and explorers.

QUIZ: Are You Ready to Enlist in the British Armed Forces?

The Commissioning Course for Regular Army Officers is 48 weeks long, including recess periods. It runs three times a year, beginning in January, May and September.

There are three levels of commission for the Army – Short term, Intermediate Regular Commission, and Regular commission:

Short term commission: This is for a period of three years on a Short Service Commission. It sometimes tends to be officer recruits with A-level education and not degree level however, if you wish, and if your local Commanding Officer supports your decision, the short term commission can be extended for up to a maximum of eight years service. Many officers reach the rank of Llieutenant or Captain.

New College RMAS

Intermediate Regular Commission: If you take this commission you will be eligible to remain in the Army for a period of eighteen years. After two years you can be eligible to apply for the final level of Commission. However, more than 60% of officers choose to return to civilian life after this commission and many reach the rank of Captain and Major.

Regular Commission: The final level is the Regular Commission. If you reach this level you will be eligible to continue serving and receive the full pensionable career, and eligible for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, selection and subsequent progression into the highest ranks such as General.

The course at RMAS lasts 44 weeks and you will be taught all the qualities that an officer needs, such as good communications skills, leadership and management under pressure.

The final stage is training for the skills you will need for your chosen regiment including specialist training on any equipment that you or your soldiers will be using.

Welbeck – The Defence Sixth Form College

Money for Education Prior to Joining

UK Armed Forces Pay Rates: April 2011 – April 2012