Welcome Note from Chair

Welcome to the Manchester and Salford Universities' Military Education Committee or MEC, which oversees training within the University Officer Cadet system for universities of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan and Salford for over 250 students. Through the MEC we can introduce you to opportunities across all three service units, the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

As an officer cadet your training will be challenging and fun. It will encourage personal development in many different ways beyond military exercises including adventurous training, community and charity projects, flying, sailing and the chance to undertake group expeditions. A typical enthusiastic description of such opportunities from an officer cadet:

I joined the University Royal Navy Unit during my first year as a student nurse.  I have been given some incredible opportunities, most notably the two weeks that I spent on HMS ARGUS during my Easter holidays. RFA ARGUS is the Royal Navy’s Primary Casualty Receiving Ship - in other words it is the RN’s ‘hospital ship’. In addition to its medical role the ship facilitates aviation training for Fleet Air Arm pilots. During my time aboard I was given the chance to not only fly in a Sea King (helicopter) but to pilot the aircraft for a period of time under the supervision of the senior pilot. It was so much fun! My time aboard proved to be a fantastic insight into the kind of environments that maritime military nurses often work in. The medical team on board during my stay were brilliant! They showed me around all of the ship’s hospital facilities as well as letting me get involved in numerous emergency exercises.

Even if you have no ambition to join the armed services being an officer cadet will offer experiences that collectively enhance your confidence, employability and general capabilities. The ability to analyse, plan, lead, deploy resources and communicate clearly under pressure represent skills that will serve you well in whatever situations your future holds. Some activities also lead to formal, recognised qualifications such as Yachting Certificates, Chartered Institute of Management Leadership or flying certification.

I hope you will want to learn more and I encourage you read further and through the web links provided and to make contact with other students who have already decided to grasp these opportunities.

Best wishes,

Professor Clive Agnew

Chair of Manchester and Salford Universities' Military Education Committee

Vice President for Teaching, Learning and Students, University of Manchester