Welcome from the Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Colonel W G Irving REME

First of all, welcome to our Web site - I hope that you find it both informative and enjoyable.

The University of London OTC (ULOTC) 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.

Above all, we are here to provide a link between the Army and those academic institutions whose students are eligible to apply to join us; there are 51 in total making ULOTC the largest of the 19 OTC Contingents in the UK. If you are seeking 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,
- the possibility of overseas travel be it on military or adventurous training,
- a great social life.

If you are interested look out for the ULOTC stand at Freshers' Fairs or visit an Introduction evening at tje ULOTC in Handel St and decide if you wish to apply. 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.

Put simply, what you get out of life here is the 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.

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 University of London Military Education Committee ensures that we adhere to that common view.

Whether you apply to join or not, whether you are successful in your application or not, I hope that this website helps you know more about ULOTC - which has been a formal part of the University of London since 1909.

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 life in the most exciting capital city in the World.

Mission Statement:
To develop - through broad Army training and experience - leadership, knowledge, and skills in order to prepare individuals for positions of responsibility in the Regular Army, the Territorial Army, or elsewhere.

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