A PERSHORE cadet has joined the ranks of the British Army’s next generation of leaders after passing out in a prestigious graduation ceremony at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Officer Cadet Jack Capel-Shya, 23, took part in the Sovereign’s Parade in front of his family and friends and now promotes to Second Lieutenant.
The parade is a key milestone for every Army officer and has been run at the end of each term for more than 200 years.
Passing out from Sandhurst marks the completion of 44 weeks of intensive military and academic training, combined with adventurous training and sporting challenges.
As soon as Officer Cadets graduate, they enjoy leadership responsibilities and will have guaranteed career progression through the ranks.
They will be in charge of a platoon of 30 soldiers, managing their skills, workloads and welfare, and could deploy on peacekeeping missions or deliver humanitarian aid within months of graduating. Sandhurst trains officers to prepare for leading their platoons in high pressure situations, while giving them a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves.
2Lt Capel-Shya (Pictured), who will be joining the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, said: “Being part of an elite group of people that have graduated as British Army Officers from Sandhurst makes me extremely proud.
“It’s one of the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken, but also one of the most rewarding.
“I would recommend an officer career to anyone looking for an exciting job away from the mundane nine to five, wanting to develop unique and lasting bonds of friendship and hoping to belong to a cause that makes a positive difference in the world.”
Major General Paul Nanson, Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, said: “The cadets have come from a wide variety of backgrounds but they will now all embark on their Army careers with the same outstanding training.
“Being an officer in the Army means supporting each of your soldiers and colleagues, sharing values and goals, and working together to achieve something that really matters.”
The parade ended in traditional fashion with the Academy Adjutant following the Officer Cadets up the steps and through the grand entrance, mounted on his horse.
After a formal lunch with friends, family and regimental officers, the day concluded in spectacular and celebratory style at the exclusive commissioning ball.
There, at the stroke of midnight, the newly commissioned Second Lieutenants proudly displayed their rank insignia for the first time.
Visit www.army.mod.uk/join/Join-as-an-Officer for more information on a career in the Army.
