Officer Cadet Christopher Burgess, 24-year-old from Pembroke, recently celebrated his graduation in a commissioning parade at the world renowned Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, in front of the Chief of the General Staff, Sir Nick Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen.

Officer Cadet Burgess has completed the full 44 weeks of intensive military and academic training, combined with adventurous training and sporting challenges. The parade is a key milestone for every Army Officer and has been celebrated at the end of each term for more than 200 years.

As soon as an Officer Cadet graduates, they gain immediate leadership responsibilities within the British Army, and will have career progression through the ranks.

The Officer Cadet’s new responsibilities include; leading a platoon of 30 soldiers, managing their skills, workloads and welfare, and potential deployment on peacekeeping missions or delivering humanitarian aid within months of graduating. Sandhurst trains officers to prepare for leading their platoons in high pressure situations and belong to one of the most respected organisations in the world.

With the support of friends and family in the audience, Officer Cadet Burgess took part in the Sovereign’s Parade in front of the Chief of the General Staff, Sir Nick Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen.

Officer Cadet Burgess, who will be joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, said: “Being part of an elite group of people who have graduated as British Army Officers from Sandhurst makes me extremely proud. It’s one of the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken, but also one of the most rewarding. I cannot wait to be putting the leadership skills I’ve learned at Sandhurst to good use as part of my new regiment.

“I would recommend an officer career to anyone looking for an exciting job away from the mundane nine to five, wanting to develop unique and lasting bonds of friendship and hoping to belong to a cause that makes a positive difference in the world, especially if you want to move immediately into a leadership or management position.”

Major General Paul Nanson, Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, said: “Congratulations to all our Officer Cadets on their commissions. The Cadets have come from a wide variety of backgrounds - many have come straight from university, some from sixth form and some from within the Army’s soldier ranks - but they will now all embark on their Army careers with the same outstanding training.

“Being an officer in the Army means supporting each of your soldiers and colleagues, sharing values and goals, and working together to achieve something that really matters. I look forward to seeing each of our new officers realise their full potential as they embark on their careers with the Army.”

The parade ended in traditional fashion with the Academy Adjutant following the Officer Cadets up the steps and through the grand entrance, mounted on his horse.