Well I passed pre-Selection and am off to basic when I get a date...any tips?

Question

Hello, had my interview with the OC, Black Watch (RR of S) on Wednesday and have been told I now have a sponsor and just wait now for a date to attend Sandhurst (after AOSB).

I am very eager and pleased and am working hard to make sure I tick all of the boxes at Selection and Basic. I know young Officer cadets aren't the most liked, or respected, of British Army personnel but I'd really appreciate any tips for vets as to how to make sure I come across as a genuine, hard-working young Officer and not a toss-pot.

I've been told by my veteran WW2 grandfather (a former SNCO) that I must always remember the RSM is God (regardless of my rank), that repsect is earned and not given freely, and that an Officer is expected both to lead from the front and do everything a little better than the rankers in order to set the best example. His words, not mine.

Are these valid, and do you have anything to add? Thanks!

Answer 1

your first question....no, you don't get free MOT etc....nugget.
Your second question.....take your Grandfathers advice.
I was a SNCO in the Army and have seen many young officers come and go. Some advice....remember that when you arrive at your unit there are people there who will have forgotten more than you know, but generally, its the lazy ones that have the biggest mouths.
Don't be afraid to rely on your training and your own knowledge. You are the one who may have to be leading these people so you Need to gain respect and trust. In the first few months, say NOTHING! That was you wont make a fupar!
When you get your feet settled you will see who is best to model your style on and who commands the most respect.
No body is born a leader of men, you develop is as your hair turns grey.
Any problems e mail me, Sir.

Answer 2

Hello Davey,

Yes, your Grandfather is absolutely right.

An RSM is normally the most respected and feared rank in the Army. They have indeed served their apprenticeship and earned that coveted rank. Officers', NCOs' and Soldiers should respect the RSM above all others, including the CO. The RSM is the lynchpin in Army Regiments, especially the Infantry.

A good officer will always lead from the front and the best officers will never expect his/her personnel to do anything they cannot or will not do themselves, no matter how lowly or dangerous.

Your OC training will not be easy and you will find muscles aching that you never knew you had. You will also have a lot of reading up to do, for example the MML (Manual of Military Law) and Queens Regs.

You will also be expected to do things that you feel unnecessary or stupid. The reason for this is to teach you discipline and obedience. These things, no matter how silly may save your life one day and of those under your command.

Virtually all of those training you will be SNCOs' and NCOs', not commissioned officers and a large part of your training will be learning how to handle your men, both in action and in peace.

Always remember that when you join your unit after commissioning , those ranks below you know their job and you must be prepared to learn from them also.

When I was in the Army a new 2nd Lt was known as a 'One pip wonder'. Be prepared for a bit of banter from your fellow officers and soldiers alike. A good sense of humour is essential.

Also be prepared for quite a few Orderly Officer duties (LoL).

If you want the soldiers below you to respect you, you must earn this and respect them too.

When I was in the Army my Company Commander was not very popular because he never learned how to handle his men properly but he was nevertheless extremely respected because he always lead by example. He eventually became the CO of our Regiment and went on to become a Lt Gen.

There are many things about Army life and what you will need to learn which will be alien to you but you will begin to understand why.

If you go in to your training with the right attitude and are prepared to learn and take orders, you should have a very successful training and your proudest moment will be when you 'Pass Out' of your Officer Training, hopefully with your Grandfather and Parents looking on.

Before being able to give orders, you must be able to take them.

Remember that when you are commissioned and join your Regiment, you are still not an Officer even though you have a 'pip' on each shoulder. It will take a lot more training and experience before you will be able to say you are.

BTW when you are offered a salute, it is not you who are being saluted, its the Queen's Commission and uniform as a mark of respect for HM. Also, unless it has now changed, a salute is only made when the person saluting is wearing a cap/beret.

One final thing, although you may smile, always treat your Company Clerk or Orderly Room Clerks well. They can also make your life more difficult if you upset them too much.

The very best of luck and I wish you a very happy, successful and safe career. Who knows you may make Field Marshal.

John
(Poseidon)

Answer 3

Sure...

Don't drop the soap in the shower.

lol... No you will be just fine. Do your best and do what you are told and everything will be just fine. They want you to succeed so they aren't going to make you fail, they can help you be a good soldier.


One thing to remember, if everything seems bad, it's only going to last until you get doen with training and move to your assignment... it isn't the end of the world; you can get through anything for a few weeks.


Good luck!


g-day!

Answer 4

your either a toss pot or not. wearing a set of stripes or a crown insignia on a cap wont make any difference. dont be in a rush to impress. remember a model soldier is just like a toy solider it can be painted and broken just as easily. its a job at the end of the day and everybody hates an arslick regardless of rank or status.

Answer 5

dont forget that ncos have done more than you will ever know to get to where they are so show them the respect their due and learn from them especially the seniors.
as an officer you hold a higher rank but it doesnt mean you know better than your men it just mean you have the duty to lead them, never forget the military is a well oiled machine you need all the cogs to turn not just you.
and most importantly...............listen to your men dont presume because your an officer that you know best because you dont, not at first. respect and loyalty are earned not privilages.

Answer 6

Listen to your sargeant.He is the wise one,and even ask the older guys (rank and file) who have been serving as they have probably been there and got the t-shirt.You will get dickheads of course but you will get the sensible one's because it's their life on the line and they will want you to do the job right.If you do this you will learn quickly and get respect.Your men have to trust and respect you.Good Luck.

Answer 7

Part of an NCO's duty is mentoring young officers. Find a squared away NCO and follow his lead till you get up on your own two feet.

Answer 8

Well you come across as a tosspot you should fly say hello to the plastic princes for me

Answer 9

hi there. your grandad was or is absolutely right. he might have served a long time ago and a few things have changed over the years but this has not!good luck

Answer 10

be firm but fair. favor no individual but favore all that are yours. try to remember that a good leader is born...its not a suit of clothes that you put on and take off. so BE YOUR SELF. good luck old son. keep your head down.