What is the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr?

Introduction The École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM, literally the “Special Military School of Saint-Cyr”) is a French military academy, and is often referred to as Saint-Cyr. It is located in Coëtquidan in Guer, Morbihan, Brittany. Its motto is Ils s’instruisent pour vaincre, literally meaning “They study to vanquish” or, more freely put, “Training for… Read More

A Brief Overview of British Army Officer Selection and Training

Introduction This article provides a brief outline of the British Army’s officer selection and training process, as at November 2022. Initial Interest and Local Recruitment Centre Army Officer recruitment is undertaken in partnership with Capita. Once an Individual has registered their initial interest, Officer selection begins with a formal interview at a local recruitment centre.… Read More

What is the Sword of Honour (Pakistan)?

Introduction The Sword of Honour (Urdu: اعزازی شمشیر) is an honorary sword awarded to that “Gentleman Cadet”, “Officer Cadet”, “Aviation Cadet” or “Lady Cadet” who achieves an overall best performance during his or her entire training period at the Pakistan Military Academy at Kakul, the Pakistan Air Force Academy at Risalpur, or the Pakistan Naval… Read More

What was the Eggnog Riot (1826)

Introduction The Eggnog Riot, sometimes known as the Grog Mutiny, was a riot that took place at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, on 24 to 25 December 1826. It was caused by a drunken Christmas Day party in the North Barracks of the academy. Two days prior to the incident,… Read More

What is the Military Academy of Modena?

Introduction The Military Academy of Modena (Italian: Accademia militare di Modena) is a military university in Modena, northern Italy. Located in the Palazzo Ducale in the historic center of the city, it was the first such military institution to be created in the world. The academy is open for enrolment to both sexes, and focuses… Read More

Officer or Leader…

“When you join your organization you will find there a willing body of men who ask from you nothing more than the qualities that will command their respect, their loyalty, and their obedience … Commissions will not make you leaders; they will merely make you officers. They will place you in a position where you… Read More

Cambridge UOTC: Did You Know?

Did you know that Cambridge University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) is the only UOTC to have a battle honour? Its antecedent regiment, The Cambridge University Rifle Volunteers, sent a detachment of 28 personnel to fight in the Second Boer War and they were involved in a host of operations alongside The Suffolk Regiment between 1900… Read More