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University Officers' Training Corps
What is it?
The University Officers' Training Corps (UOTC) is run by the British Army for students. It provides the core syllabus of pre-Sandhurst Territorial Army Officer training through lessons in barracks and exercises in the field. Many attend Sandhurst for the Regular Commissioning Course when they graduate; some gain a Territorial Commission before graduation; others just get to enjoy a challenge and some fun socials. All of the intake are in the Territorial Army with the rank of Officer Cadet. Officer Cadets are in group B of the Territorial Army and are not deployable.
Which Universities are involved?
Each UOTC takes members from surrounding universities and colleges.
University of Wales OTC
University of London OTC
Leeds University OTC
Liverpool University OTC
Belfast OTC
Exeter University OTC
East Midlands Universities OTC
Cambridge University OTC
Oxford University OTC
Southampton University OTC
Northumbrian Universities OTC
Aberdeen University OTC
Tayforth Universities OTC
Glasgow University OTC
Edinburgh University OTC
Manchester and Sale Universities OTC
Bristol University OTC
Sheffield University OTC
What does it involve?
Officer Cadets are first of all taught how to be soldiers, in the section called MTQ1. Firstly OCdts are taught to do the following in barracks: handle a rifle, navigate from a map, operate a radio and perform basic first aid. These skills are then practiced in the field, as well as being taught some fieldcraft; camouflage, field hygeine, preparation of shelters, food etc. In barracks OCdts will be taught to keep their kit neat and also to march and perform drill. This is built upon by some rudimentary infantry skills such as assaulting a position and moving into platoon harbours at night. Once an OCdt has demonstrated that they are in control of a rifle they can partake in live firing at a range. All of this is put to the test at a 'battle-camp' which involves lots of short tests and is a great weekend. It should end with a piss-up.
Once MTQ1 has been passed the OCdt can choose a wing and which wings are available depends on the UOTC in question. There is always an infantry company, Royal Engineers, Royal Artillery, Royal Signals are common and some have a Royal Armoured Corps company. During this phase OCdts are taught the relevant skills to their choice of wing in barracks and practice them in the field. More senior OCdts are given command positions up to platoon level and the OCdts perform set tasks as a team effectively. Commissioned members of the UOTC and more senior OCdts will supervise or help make tasks realistic e.g. 'playing enemy' and there will always be Army personel around giving brief lessons and making sure things don't go tits up.
If MTQ1 was about soldiering, MTQ2 is about leading those soldiers. OCdts are taught to lead men over terrain and to interpret maps, but also to plan assaults and then to deliver these plans to those who will be following orders. On passing this course a pay rise of £7 per day is granted. This training becomes useful in the command positions given in the OCdt's chosen wing.
There are often opportunities to go on military attachments, adventurous training or to play sport in the UOTC, there are also fun socials and dinners to attend.
Do I get paid? How much?
Yes. The rank of Officer Cadet is roughly equivalent to Private so the new intake are paid at the same rate: ~£35 per day. As the Officer Cadet progresses through the syllabus the pay increases. If a Territorial Commission is gained while in the UOTC the pay increases to £56 per day.
Selection
There is a selection process. It is not as rigorous as the UAS equivalent, and they will tell you that a lot, which is inexplicable; the peculiar desire to get into a plane and actually fly it should be quite self-selecting. Compatability with military life will be assessed; a medical examination will be performed, there will be a short interview about current affairs and your moral outlook, an hearing test, a clean criminal record and you must run 1.5 miles in less than 14 minutes. It's not too difficult but do take it seriously and if you're running 1.5 miles in anywhere near 14 minutes you might find aspects of the training uncomfortable, so go for a good time.
The University Officers' Training Corps (UOTC) is run by the British Army for students. It provides the core syllabus of pre-Sandhurst Territorial Army Officer training through lessons in barracks and exercises in the field. Many attend Sandhurst for the Regular Commissioning Course when they graduate; some gain a Territorial Commission before graduation; others just get to enjoy a challenge and some fun socials. All of the intake are in the Territorial Army with the rank of Officer Cadet. Officer Cadets are in group B of the Territorial Army and are not deployable.
Which Universities are involved?
Each UOTC takes members from surrounding universities and colleges.
University of Wales OTC
University of London OTC
Leeds University OTC
Liverpool University OTC
Belfast OTC
Exeter University OTC
East Midlands Universities OTC
Cambridge University OTC
Oxford University OTC
Southampton University OTC
Northumbrian Universities OTC
Aberdeen University OTC
Tayforth Universities OTC
Glasgow University OTC
Edinburgh University OTC
Manchester and Sale Universities OTC
Bristol University OTC
Sheffield University OTC
What does it involve?
Officer Cadets are first of all taught how to be soldiers, in the section called MTQ1. Firstly OCdts are taught to do the following in barracks: handle a rifle, navigate from a map, operate a radio and perform basic first aid. These skills are then practiced in the field, as well as being taught some fieldcraft; camouflage, field hygeine, preparation of shelters, food etc. In barracks OCdts will be taught to keep their kit neat and also to march and perform drill. This is built upon by some rudimentary infantry skills such as assaulting a position and moving into platoon harbours at night. Once an OCdt has demonstrated that they are in control of a rifle they can partake in live firing at a range. All of this is put to the test at a 'battle-camp' which involves lots of short tests and is a great weekend. It should end with a piss-up.
Once MTQ1 has been passed the OCdt can choose a wing and which wings are available depends on the UOTC in question. There is always an infantry company, Royal Engineers, Royal Artillery, Royal Signals are common and some have a Royal Armoured Corps company. During this phase OCdts are taught the relevant skills to their choice of wing in barracks and practice them in the field. More senior OCdts are given command positions up to platoon level and the OCdts perform set tasks as a team effectively. Commissioned members of the UOTC and more senior OCdts will supervise or help make tasks realistic e.g. 'playing enemy' and there will always be Army personel around giving brief lessons and making sure things don't go tits up.
If MTQ1 was about soldiering, MTQ2 is about leading those soldiers. OCdts are taught to lead men over terrain and to interpret maps, but also to plan assaults and then to deliver these plans to those who will be following orders. On passing this course a pay rise of £7 per day is granted. This training becomes useful in the command positions given in the OCdt's chosen wing.
There are often opportunities to go on military attachments, adventurous training or to play sport in the UOTC, there are also fun socials and dinners to attend.
Do I get paid? How much?
Yes. The rank of Officer Cadet is roughly equivalent to Private so the new intake are paid at the same rate: ~£35 per day. As the Officer Cadet progresses through the syllabus the pay increases. If a Territorial Commission is gained while in the UOTC the pay increases to £56 per day.
Selection
There is a selection process. It is not as rigorous as the UAS equivalent, and they will tell you that a lot, which is inexplicable; the peculiar desire to get into a plane and actually fly it should be quite self-selecting. Compatability with military life will be assessed; a medical examination will be performed, there will be a short interview about current affairs and your moral outlook, an hearing test, a clean criminal record and you must run 1.5 miles in less than 14 minutes. It's not too difficult but do take it seriously and if you're running 1.5 miles in anywhere near 14 minutes you might find aspects of the training uncomfortable, so go for a good time.
Hi Coughsyrup,
A great sart to a FAQ on OTCs.
Perhaps some one could make it a sticky.
Not all OTCs run separate wings/ sub units.
ULOTC used to until about 2 years ago and has now stopped.
Southamptonand EMOTC do not, and the spead out units like Wales and Tayforth have a different set up once again.
The units which do not run specific sub units are basically run as "All Arms" units - which really means that everyone who is interested gets a chance to have a look at a number of different bits of the Army rather than sort of specialising in one bit.
Having seen both sorts of units work it doesn't really make much difference if you are in either, its all interesting and good fun.
A great sart to a FAQ on OTCs.
Perhaps some one could make it a sticky.
Not all OTCs run separate wings/ sub units.
ULOTC used to until about 2 years ago and has now stopped.
Southamptonand EMOTC do not, and the spead out units like Wales and Tayforth have a different set up once again.
The units which do not run specific sub units are basically run as "All Arms" units - which really means that everyone who is interested gets a chance to have a look at a number of different bits of the Army rather than sort of specialising in one bit.
Having seen both sorts of units work it doesn't really make much difference if you are in either, its all interesting and good fun.
armyboy
Hi Coughsyrup,
A great sart to a FAQ on OTCs.
Perhaps some one could make it a sticky.
Not all OTCs run separate wings/ sub units.
ULOTC used to until about 2 years ago and has now stopped.
Southamptonand EMOTC do not, and the spead out units like Wales and Tayforth have a different set up once again.
The units which do not run specific sub units are basically run as "All Arms" units - which really means that everyone who is interested gets a chance to have a look at a number of different bits of the Army rather than sort of specialising in one bit.
Having seen both sorts of units work it doesn't really make much difference if you are in either, its all interesting and good fun.
A great sart to a FAQ on OTCs.
Perhaps some one could make it a sticky.
Not all OTCs run separate wings/ sub units.
ULOTC used to until about 2 years ago and has now stopped.
Southamptonand EMOTC do not, and the spead out units like Wales and Tayforth have a different set up once again.
The units which do not run specific sub units are basically run as "All Arms" units - which really means that everyone who is interested gets a chance to have a look at a number of different bits of the Army rather than sort of specialising in one bit.
Having seen both sorts of units work it doesn't really make much difference if you are in either, its all interesting and good fun.
By all means if anybody has anything to add e.g. details of MTQ3 or the Territorial Commissioning Course it would be very helpful. Cheers.
Well here goes.
One of the streams open to OTC members is to go down the TA commisioning route.
Each of the OTCs now has a target to get 10 students a year through the TA Commisioning Course (TACC) of which it is hoped that six are likely to stay in the TA long term. London OTC due to its larger size has a target of 20.
This route is primarily intended for those students who are not looking for a career in the Regular Army but are interested in staying on in the TA after university and joining a mainstream TA unit ( a Group A unit, OTC are TA Group B Units ie they cant be mobilised).
However there is nothing to stop anyone going for a TA commision and each year plenty of students who are intending to join the Regular Army attend the TACC - usually in the summer vacation between second and third years . They will then go on to hold leadership roles in the unit such as platoon commander on their return. If they subsequently go Regular they will have to resign their TA commision when they go on the Regular Commisioning Course.
They will however have gained a valuable insight into the duties of an officer and will have had a "dry run" at Sandhurst.
If they transfer to the TA they are aready commisioned and simply transfer to a suitable unit where they are working. It is a really good move to get the TACC out of the way during OTC time if you want to join the TA long term, as completing all the modules whilst holding down a full time job is a real challenge.
The TACC is actually five modules. OTC and "normal" TA District Training Centres now run essentialy the same training package which is interchangeable and standardised by RMA Sandhurst.
Module 1 (known as MTQ 1 in OTCs) is recruit training. In OTCs this is done in the first year.
Module 2 (known as MTQ 2 in OTCs) is normally run in OTC around Christmas of second year. It is a fairly academic introduction to Platoon tactics, and the Estimate and Orders process etc, culminating in a practical exam.
Just about everyone in OTCs does up to MTQ2. In fact you are supposed to be discharged if you fail to complete MTQ2 or fail the exam twice by the end of second year in the unit.
Module 3 (which now should only be called Module 3 but is sometimes still called MTQ3 in OTCs) is a 9 day practical course in platoon tactics which includes several days spent in the field on a practical exercise where students are expected to fill Platoon Commander and Platoon Sgt type positions and be assesed on their performance.
Mod 3 is often jointly run by a couple of OTCs to ensure they have enough students and staff to run the course properly. It is also run by District Training Centres and depending on timings OTC students can attend the TA courses.
Module 3 is hard work and if it is run properly will sort out those who have worked hard and are commited from those who are just coming along for the ride. Several people will not pass a typical Mod 3 course.
For those who have done well at this stage the option of going on the TACC is opened up.
They first have to pass the Army Officer Selection Board (TA). This is what used to be called RCB. A Regular pass counts as a TA pass - subject to a review by the President of AOSB. Regular and TA AOSB is now almost exactly the same. For full details see the excellent AOSB web site.
Module 5 of the TACC is the actual 3 week TACC course at Sandhurst. It is a fun action packed 3 weeks of exercises, practical leadership task and little sleep etc. It now culminates with a passing out parade almost identical to the Regular Sovereign's Parade with officer cadets wearing Sandhurst No 1 Blues uniform and marching up the steps of Old College in front of their parents and friends.
Module 5 is a short follow on course over a couple of weekends on admin stuff.
TA 2 Lts get paid around £55 a day whereas a top pay grade officer cadet is on about £40 a day. So financialy it is a good deal especialy for those on four year courses who get commisioned betwen second and third years.
For those in the OTC who are interested in joining the TA long term there is the option of becoming a TA Sponsored Officer (TASO). This allows selected OTC officer cadets (who are pursuing the TA officer route) to be sponsored by a local TA unit - generally one of the sort they would like to join long term. This doesn't involve any financial benefit, it just allows the person to go on some training events with the unit as well as the OTC. Some units sponsoring OTC officer cadets allow them to wear the cap badge etc of that unit rather than the OTC.
Of course not everyone in an OTC decides to follow the TACC route. Arguably for those going to join the Regular Army their time can be better spent getting useful adventure training qualifications as they are going to do all their training on the Regular commisioning course.
One of the streams open to OTC members is to go down the TA commisioning route.
Each of the OTCs now has a target to get 10 students a year through the TA Commisioning Course (TACC) of which it is hoped that six are likely to stay in the TA long term. London OTC due to its larger size has a target of 20.
This route is primarily intended for those students who are not looking for a career in the Regular Army but are interested in staying on in the TA after university and joining a mainstream TA unit ( a Group A unit, OTC are TA Group B Units ie they cant be mobilised).
However there is nothing to stop anyone going for a TA commision and each year plenty of students who are intending to join the Regular Army attend the TACC - usually in the summer vacation between second and third years . They will then go on to hold leadership roles in the unit such as platoon commander on their return. If they subsequently go Regular they will have to resign their TA commision when they go on the Regular Commisioning Course.
They will however have gained a valuable insight into the duties of an officer and will have had a "dry run" at Sandhurst.
If they transfer to the TA they are aready commisioned and simply transfer to a suitable unit where they are working. It is a really good move to get the TACC out of the way during OTC time if you want to join the TA long term, as completing all the modules whilst holding down a full time job is a real challenge.
The TACC is actually five modules. OTC and "normal" TA District Training Centres now run essentialy the same training package which is interchangeable and standardised by RMA Sandhurst.
Module 1 (known as MTQ 1 in OTCs) is recruit training. In OTCs this is done in the first year.
Module 2 (known as MTQ 2 in OTCs) is normally run in OTC around Christmas of second year. It is a fairly academic introduction to Platoon tactics, and the Estimate and Orders process etc, culminating in a practical exam.
Just about everyone in OTCs does up to MTQ2. In fact you are supposed to be discharged if you fail to complete MTQ2 or fail the exam twice by the end of second year in the unit.
Module 3 (which now should only be called Module 3 but is sometimes still called MTQ3 in OTCs) is a 9 day practical course in platoon tactics which includes several days spent in the field on a practical exercise where students are expected to fill Platoon Commander and Platoon Sgt type positions and be assesed on their performance.
Mod 3 is often jointly run by a couple of OTCs to ensure they have enough students and staff to run the course properly. It is also run by District Training Centres and depending on timings OTC students can attend the TA courses.
Module 3 is hard work and if it is run properly will sort out those who have worked hard and are commited from those who are just coming along for the ride. Several people will not pass a typical Mod 3 course.
For those who have done well at this stage the option of going on the TACC is opened up.
They first have to pass the Army Officer Selection Board (TA). This is what used to be called RCB. A Regular pass counts as a TA pass - subject to a review by the President of AOSB. Regular and TA AOSB is now almost exactly the same. For full details see the excellent AOSB web site.
Module 5 of the TACC is the actual 3 week TACC course at Sandhurst. It is a fun action packed 3 weeks of exercises, practical leadership task and little sleep etc. It now culminates with a passing out parade almost identical to the Regular Sovereign's Parade with officer cadets wearing Sandhurst No 1 Blues uniform and marching up the steps of Old College in front of their parents and friends.
Module 5 is a short follow on course over a couple of weekends on admin stuff.
TA 2 Lts get paid around £55 a day whereas a top pay grade officer cadet is on about £40 a day. So financialy it is a good deal especialy for those on four year courses who get commisioned betwen second and third years.
For those in the OTC who are interested in joining the TA long term there is the option of becoming a TA Sponsored Officer (TASO). This allows selected OTC officer cadets (who are pursuing the TA officer route) to be sponsored by a local TA unit - generally one of the sort they would like to join long term. This doesn't involve any financial benefit, it just allows the person to go on some training events with the unit as well as the OTC. Some units sponsoring OTC officer cadets allow them to wear the cap badge etc of that unit rather than the OTC.
Of course not everyone in an OTC decides to follow the TACC route. Arguably for those going to join the Regular Army their time can be better spent getting useful adventure training qualifications as they are going to do all their training on the Regular commisioning course.
For all Army (and other forces) recruiting the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act applies.
Basically you are not required to declare "Spent Convictions" and cannot be asked about them.
The details are set out in a leaflet all new applicants including OTC applicants (although how well each unit manages this is a local matter) recruits are given.
If you are worried about it I would go into an Army careers office and ask for a copy so you can read it and then check out your personal circumstances in regard to it.
If your conviction is spent - then you do not have to declare it and cannot be asked about it.
If your convicion is not spent then it has to be declared and the unit will make a decision about whether or not to accept you. They will have to follow Army recruiting guidelines on this but can apply for a waiver if you are good and they really want you.
In general they are going to be sympathetic for minor offences that happened a while ago and don't involve serious dishonesty or violence.
There are exceptions to the Act for certain specific trades such as if you want to join a medical trade or one of the Military Police forces, in which case all convictions have to be disclosed. However that's not really relevant to the OTC.
Basically you are not required to declare "Spent Convictions" and cannot be asked about them.
The details are set out in a leaflet all new applicants including OTC applicants (although how well each unit manages this is a local matter) recruits are given.
If you are worried about it I would go into an Army careers office and ask for a copy so you can read it and then check out your personal circumstances in regard to it.
If your conviction is spent - then you do not have to declare it and cannot be asked about it.
If your convicion is not spent then it has to be declared and the unit will make a decision about whether or not to accept you. They will have to follow Army recruiting guidelines on this but can apply for a waiver if you are good and they really want you.
In general they are going to be sympathetic for minor offences that happened a while ago and don't involve serious dishonesty or violence.
There are exceptions to the Act for certain specific trades such as if you want to join a medical trade or one of the Military Police forces, in which case all convictions have to be disclosed. However that's not really relevant to the OTC.
How lenient is the UOTC on their entry requirement? I am british always have been but grew up elsewhere, will be starting uni this autumn. Can I still join the UOTC straight away or will they fuss about me not having lived in the UK for a year?
Reference your residence issues.
It depends on the detailed circumstances.
The best thing to do if you know now where you are going to be going to university is to write to the unit you wish to join with full details and ask them to check your eligibility.
The basic rules are laid down in army recruiting regulations so you should get the same answer from any OTC / TA unit
The basic information is on the Army recruiting web site, but it seems to be down at the moment.
I can check next week for you if you e mail me details in a PM.
It depends on the detailed circumstances.
The best thing to do if you know now where you are going to be going to university is to write to the unit you wish to join with full details and ask them to check your eligibility.
The basic rules are laid down in army recruiting regulations so you should get the same answer from any OTC / TA unit
The basic information is on the Army recruiting web site, but it seems to be down at the moment.
I can check next week for you if you e mail me details in a PM.
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