On the weekend of the 25 Nov 17, the Oxford URNU New Entry Officer Cadets arrived at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth to learn about and sample Royal Naval Initial Officer Training.
From a 0630 'Call the Hands' and marching down to the Senior Gun Room for 'scran', the Officer Cadets began their introduction to the Royal Navy lifestyle, after which they undertook a series of training stances.
The Officer Cadets were split into different divisions named after the Type 45 Destroyers Daring, Dauntless, Diamond and Duncan. They then undertook; a tour of the college, the Royal Navy Swim Test, time on the River Dart on board picket boats, practical leadership tasks, an introduction to navigation and time on the Bridge Simulator.
In the evening the Officer Cadets were introduced to some Royal Navy ethos in the form of team based mess games at the Pavilion, on the grounds of BRNC before cracking on with the remaining training serials on Sunday.
The New Entry Officer Cadets thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and Officer Cadet Harriet Sexton said: “The whole weekend was fantastic, I’ve never really done anything like this before and getting to spend the weekend in such a history-rich place was amazing."
Senior Midshipman Emily O’ Donovan, Oxford URNU, said “The weekend was really enjoyable and reminded me of my first Dartmouth weekend! It was heartening to see the different URNU students from across the country pitch in and make a great effort for the weekend.
"It was a great opportunity to catch up with my predecessor for the Oxford URNU, James Letten who is currently undertaking Phase 1 training."
Sub Lieutenant Will Robinson RNR, Oxford URNU, said "I am extremely pleased with the enthusiasm the Oxford URNU New Entry applied to the weekend. They have truly lived up to the new Unit motto of ‘Steadfast and Determined’".
Oxford is one of 15 URNUs located across the UK offering opportunities to 750 undergraduates from the country’s leading universities.
The URNU's mission is: "To develop an understanding of the Naval Service in undergraduates, so that those who go into civilian employment are positive advocates thereof and to facilitate a Naval Career for those who choose one."
The URNU is a chance to experience military life without commitment and gain new skills applicable to all walks of life.
Words by: Mid Emily O' Donovan.
