On Monday 8th January, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst welcomed Commissioning Course 241. As the sun shone across the Old College parade square, the officer cadets parked their vehicles along its edges before being processed into their new platoons as part of Blenheim and Inkerman companies.

This course boasts a total of 190 officer cadets, a dynamic blend of 159 British and 31 international individuals. This term sees a rise in female representation, constituting 15% of the cohort—an increase from the 12% observed in previous years. The diversity of the group extends beyond gender, with cadets hailing from various backgrounds, bringing with them unique perspectives and experiences.

At an average age of 23, the cadets span a range from 19 to 29 years old. Among the British cadets, 72% hold university degrees and 57% of these were educated in the state sector.

Impressively, just under half of the course participants spent time with armed forces youth organisations before joining Sandhurst and 35% were in a University Officer Training Corps.

A striking statistic reveals that 61 cadets on this course have close relatives who have served in the armed forces with half of those relatives being non-commissioned. This familial connection, a testament to a tradition of service, speaks volumes about the dedication and sense of duty ingrained in these individuals.

The international cadets bring a rich tapestry of cultures to Sandhurst, representing 19 countries. Among them, cadets from Azerbaijan, Ivory Coast, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Rwanda, and Uzbekistan add unique global perspectives to the training environment. This global representation not only enriches the learning experience but also fosters international cooperation and understanding among future military leaders.

In a departure from tradition, the new cadets of Commissioning Course 241 are now issued tracksuits right from the start. Gone are the days of the iconic baggy green coveralls, once synonymous with the early days at Sandhurst! This alteration adds a modern touch to the age-old rite of passage whilst maintaining the essence of military discipline.

As we extend our warmest wishes to Commissioning Course 241, embarking on their 44-week journey at Sandhurst, we recognise the significance of this moment. The blend of tradition and evolution, diversity and unity, represents the essence of Sandhurst's commitment to shaping leaders of tomorrow.

If you are interested in finding out more about Sandhurst Traditions and what Officer Cadets can expect during the next 44 weeks of training we recommend purchasing a copy of Traditions of Leadership.  Now available from the Sandhurst Trust shop for £10