Thomas Stewart, 23, from Bedford, recently graduated at the Army’s Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. The ceremony was attended by the Prince of Wales who was representing the Queen. A formal lunch was enjoyed by friends, family and regimental officers and at the stroke of midnight, the newly commissioned second lieutenants proudly displayed their rank insignia for the first time.
This Graduation Ceremony was classed as historical as it marked the integration of women into mixed platoons. Previously, up and coming women officers would be in an all female platoon but for the past 44 weeks the new integrated approach has seen the officer cadets living, training and carrying out military exercises together.
Thomas said: “Being part of an elite group of people that have graduated from Sandhurst as an officer in the British Army makes me extremely proud. It’s one of the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken, but also one of the most rewarding. “The training and support I have received has been excellent and I cannot wait to start putting it into practice with the Household Cavalry and to be given the chance to make my contribution on both operations, adventure training, and missions overseas. I would recommend an officer career to anyone looking for an exciting career away from the mundane nine to five.”
With friends and family in the audience, Thomas and all the graduating cadets took part in the Sovereign’s Parade before The Prince of Wales. The parade is a key milestone for every Army officer and has been run at the end of each term for more than 200 years.
The ceremony coincides with a nationwide Army Recruitment Campaign, designed to attract people into hundreds of exciting full-time Army officer jobs.
Graduation Attire are based in Thomas’s home town of Bedford and are experts in their field when it comes to Graduation Ceremonies. ‘We have built a reputation for our high standards and high level of customer care and are dedicated to providing exceptional quality garments for School, College and University Graduation Ceremonies as well as garments relating to churches, the legal profession and more.’ All orders and enquiries are tendered to by a live member of staff from start to finish.
Source and more information: http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/news/local/army-graduation-ceremony-marks-historic-change-for-platoons-1-7137920
