Welcome Message From our Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Doug Gibson
First of all, welcome to our Web site. I hope that this website helps you know more about WUOTC.
Wales Universities Officer Training Corps (WUOTC) is one of 19 UOTCs across the UK. Our roots go back to 1879 with the 5th (Volunteers) Battalion South Wales Borderers at University College Aberystwyth. We exists to: 'communicate the values, standards and career opportunities of the British Army'. We are not here to recruit people to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst - but we do provide enormous encouragement through training, support and advice to those who aspire to become officers in either the Regular or Territorial Army. Foremost, we are here to provide a link between the Army and those academic institutions in Wales whose students are eligible to apply to join us. Operating out of 4 bases (Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth and Canaerfon) WUOTC is one of the largest OTC Contingents in the UK. We train each Tuesday night and one weekend a month during term time; and we go on a 2 week training camp and adventure training in the student holidays. There are a host of sports and social events throughout the year. If you are after one or more of the following from your non-academic pursuits, then the OTC might be for you: - challenges - both mental and physical
- opportunities to develop your leadership skills and character through - military and other training
- the chance to make great friends
- overseas travel be it on military or adventurous training
- a great social life. What you get out of at WUOTC is a result of the effort and commitment that you put in. You do not have to be a 'gladiator' but you must be willing, when it is called for, to put in your 'best effort'. That especially applies when you are cold, wet, tired, responsible for other people and under pressure to make a decision. If you are selected, my Staff and your fellow Officer Cadets (all of whom are students themselves) will give you the training and leadership opportunities you are looking for. Many of our Officer Cadets put in a great deal of time here - be it for military training, adventurous training, sport or the social life. However, your studies must always take primacy. Training is always focussed and structured around that principle and the Wales Universities Military Education Committee ensures that we adhere to that common view. My aim is that WUOTC gives its members a glimpse of the Army, offers a place for self-development, nurtures military interest and potential and provides experiences which reach far beyond those available in normal student life. You will emerge more confident, a better team player, a greater leader, a more effective communicator and, perhaps most importantly, with a better understanding of yourself (warts and all!). This offer is open to all and I guarantee that it will massively enhance your CV. Have a look at the web site and if you want to find out more then look out for the WUOTC stand at Freshers' Fair, give us a call or come and visit us at any of our four training bases around Wales. As a former undergraduate myself, I know that you are about to embark on a marvellous time in your life - I wish you well. Good luck with your studies and with life in a country which offers a most eclectic set of opportunities whichever of its universities you have chosen to attend.
|
