Student Officer Cadets Encourage Young People to Join Military Training Opportunities

Student Officer Cadets are encouraging other young people to sign-up for military training opportunities.

Wrexham Glyndwr University students Ben Tobler and Jamie Campbell joined the University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) whilst attending the North Wales institution.

The UOTC is an Army Reserve unit which aims to provide military experience to its members – known as Officer Cadets – for when they go into civilian employment, acting as a positive advocate for the Army as well as a recruitment aid.

Ben, from Glyn Ceiriog, who is currently studying Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies, said: “This course has been life changing. I joined the UOTC in my second year of university as I wanted to do more in the evenings and before joining I was quite shy – the Corps has helped boost my confidence.”

The regiment is based at Hightown Barracks, where the Officer Cadets get a free minibus to, for their weekly meetings, where they partake in military training and social evenings, with weekends consisting of adventurous training, sport, community projects and expeditions both in the UK and overseas.

Officer Cadets are also members of the Army Reserve and are paid when on duty.

The 24 year-old added: “I have been given so many opportunities within the regiment with skiing trips to Germany and France and other places mountaineering, hiking and orienteering – and getting paid for doing it.

“I went to Sennybridge recently for training and came back with about a £350 pay packet. So when you go away for training, hiking or even skiing, you’re getting paid every day you’re away.

“It’s also great to socialise with new people as well, as many of the training weekends involve Officer Cadets from universities all over Wales.”

Wrexham’s Jamie Campbell, 23, currently in his second year of a degree in Sport Science and Coaching, joined the UOTC as he plans to sign-up for the Armed Forces on graduating from Wrexham Glyndwr.

Jaime said: “This has given me that head start over other people joining the military. I’m an army brat so have always been interested in it, but to join you don’t need any military knowledge or experience beforehand.

“The regiment offers amazing opportunities such as going abroad but can also present gruelling challenges too, so it can be character building.”

Jonathan Hughes, lecturer in Sports Coaching and a member of the university’s Military Education Committee, added: “We are very supportive of the UOTC and everything it offers our students. It’s valuable experience and it’s really good for Jamie too to help along with his coaching course.”

Leaving Officer Cadets also receive a highly rated national leadership qualification.

For more information visit http://www.glyndwr.ac.uk