CADET Richard White has joined around 200 fellow graduates in a prestigious ceremony as he passed out from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, successfully completing the most respected and challenging officer training course in the world.

Each officer cadet at Sandhurst has undergone 44 weeks of intensive military and academic training, combined with adventurous training and sporting challenges, before taking part in the Sovereign’s Parade in front of the Queen’s representative, General Sir Peter Wall, Chief of General Staff.

The parade has been run at the end of each term on Old College Square at Sandhurst for more than 200 years.

Richard, 24, from Old Town, who will be joining the Royal Artillery, said: “I’m really proud to have passed out from Sandhurst.

“It’s a challenge but the camaraderie is great and you work with a good team.

“I joined the Army because I want to lead soldiers in combat and have the opportunity to travel, and I’m looking forward to starting my career with the Royal Artillery.”

The ceremony took place on August 9, and ended in traditional fashion with the Adjutant of the College riding a horse up the steps of the Old College, following the graduating officer cadets through the Grand Entrance.

At the stroke of midnight at the Commissioning Ball, each newly commissioned Second Lieutenant displayed their rank insignia for the first time.

Brigadier Andrew Jackson, the director of recruiting and training for the Army, said: “The British Army has a long history of recruiting the brightest and best young officers, and Sandhurst is just the start of the outstanding training they will receive throughout their careers.

“Junior officers are given great responsibility early in their Army life, and are rewarded with a challenging and exciting career, both at home and overseas, during peacetime or on operations.

“Whatever your background, the Army has something to offer. Our officers gain personal skills which apply to all walks of life, such as leadership, judgment, responsibility and respect.”

For more information about the career opportunities available in the Army search “Army jobs” or visit http://www.army.mod.uk/join/.