Officer Training Corps at uni

9 replies

Armyuni · 15/03/2023 16:20

Hi everyone

My DS is thinking seriously about going into the army after university (he's only in year 12 at the moment). He wants to apply to universities that have a flourishing and easily accessible Officer Training Corp (based at or near the university). Does anyone have DC in that position who can offer any insight please?

I assume the OTC is a useful thing to do if he is thinking about going into the army and will increase his chances of getting selected when he graduates but do correct me if I am wrong!

OP posts:

LIZS · 15/03/2023 16:32

A friend of dc did at Sheffield, having done ccf at school.

VanCleefArpels · 15/03/2023 16:42

I think he should approach the Army recruitment people now - they will be able to advise on routes to entry and there may even be financial incentives he can enjoy while being a student. OTC May not be the best/only way in for serious applicants

Original poster

Armyuni · 15/03/2023 16:46

@VanCleefArpels I agree that's a great idea. DS said he will feel a bit inadequate though as he hasn't engaged with the army at all (no cadets or anything) and isn't 100% certain he wants to join the army. I don't think that should stop him fixing up a meeting though so will mention again!

@LIZS That's good to know as Sheffield is on his shortlist of universities he wants to visit! Thank you.

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Revengeofthepangolins · 15/03/2023 22:29

Consider a gap year commission?

PuttingDownRoots · 15/03/2023 22:35

Sheffield is just an offshoot of Leeds OTC (Yorkshire?) now.

Original poster

Armyuni · 15/03/2023 23:27

Revengeofthepangolins · 15/03/2023 22:29

Consider a gap year commission?

Top suggestion and would work for most - but DS wants to do a degree subject that doesn’t take at all kindly to gap years

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Original poster

Armyuni · 15/03/2023 23:28

PuttingDownRoots · 15/03/2023 22:35

Sheffield is just an offshoot of Leeds OTC (Yorkshire?) now.

So, all other things being equal, Leeds uni would be better than Sheffield on this front? Both are great unis for DS’ course

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PizzaPastaWine · 15/03/2023 23:57

I guess you will be partly funding uni? If that's the case I would tell him that he will be heading to the army recruitment centre for advice and that it wasn't up for discussion.

That way he (and you) will be far better placed to make an informed decision about his future.

Delphigirl · 16/03/2023 17:33

UOTC at Cardiff is basically across the road from the main 1st year residences.
OTC at Exeter is lively.
ORC Bristol on Whiteladies Road, in main student area easy to get to. Also covers Bath but not sure how you would get there easily from Bath.
OTC at Glasgow has its own very smart period building right in the main uni area and is very active
These are the only ones I know about.

Flip