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What
is the ULOTC?
Founded in 1909,
the University of London Officers Training Corps (ULOTC) is a Territorial
Army unit and part of the University of London.
The ULOTC is open only to university
undergraduates studying in London and the surrounding area. Those
who join will undertake a broad range of training, from military
skills to adventurous pursuits, leadership tactics to survival techniques,
and fitness training to marksmanship. There is no obligation to
join the Regular Army, and no 'call-up' liability exists.
Military
Training
In your first year you will complete the Military Training
Qualification Level 1 (MTQ1), which is equivalent to a soldier's
basic training. It's an exciting and challenging year, and is a
world away from your university studies.
The instructors
are Regular and Territorial Army Officers and soldiers, and experienced
Officer Cadets. On training nights (Tuesdays) you will learn the
skills needed to take part in the weekend exercises. There is usually
about one weekend exercise per month - the exercises are tough,
unforgiving, and usually cold; but enormously rewarding.
Towards
the end of the second term, a final training exercise will put all
your new skills to the test. Probably the most arduous of the first
year exercises, you will be thrown into an array of situations from
a casualty evacuation to attacking an enemy position.
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After this,
preparation begins for the two-week Annual camp, which takes place
toward the end of June. On this you will further improve your military
skills, participate in live firing, and do some adventurous training.
Adventurous
Training
Sports, expeditions,
and adventurous training is a big part of ULOTC life. Officer Cadets
have the opportunity to ski, scuba dive, rock climbing, even parachuting.
Few other London students get the opportunity to take part in such
active outdoor pursuits, and it is a key aspect of the ULOTC. Best
of all? You get paid to do it.

Previous
expeditions have taken students scuba diving to the Red Sea, skiing
in the Alps, even jumping out of a plane in Canada. Click 'Expeditions'
on the left to find out more.
Social
Life
The ULOTC also has a much more relaxed, sociable side. The
Annual Dinner is a chance for all Officer Cadets to get dressed
up and experience a Regimental mess dinner night. This provides
an opportunity to meet and chat with Officers from a wide range
of regiments in both the TA and Regular Army. Nights like this are
considered part of your training, and therefore you are paid to
take part. In addition to this there are numerous other social events
throughout the year. Ranging from the sophisticated annual cocktail
party to the notorious platoon socials. All of these events allow
Officer Cadets to relax and get to know each other - and meet a
variety of people from different military backgrounds. The ULOTC
mess is open every night after training, with the cheapest bar in
Central London, (cheaper than most Student Unions...)
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