Peter Blood from Abergavenny joined hundreds of Officer Cadets last week in a graduation ceremony at the Army’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Passing out from Sandhurst marks the completion of 44 weeks of intensive military and academic training, combined with adventurous training and sporting challenges. By the time Officer Cadets have graduated they enjoy immediate leadership responsibilities, where they will be in charge of a platoon of 30 soldiers.

With friends and family in the audience, 26-year-old Second Lieutenant Blood took part in the Sovereign’s Parade - a key milestone for every Army Officer which has been run at the end of each term for over 200 years.

2Lt Blood, who will be joining the Royal Artillery, said, “Being part of an elite group of people that 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.

“The training and support I have received has been excellent and I cannot wait to start putting it into practise with the Royal Artillery and to be given the chance to make my contribution on operations, adventure training, and missions overseas.”

Major General Paul Nanson, Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, said, “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.

“Sandhurst is not easy, but it provides opportunities to learn much more beyond military skills – it offers unrivalled leadership training, preparation for life outside the Army and guaranteed career progression.”

“The Army is always looking for its next generation of leaders to take up the challenge of an officer career and, over the past 44 weeks, the cadets have demonstrated real dedication, determination and professionalism.

“I look forward to seeing each of them 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.

After a formal lunch with friends, family and regimental officers, the day concluded in spectacular style at the commissioning ball where, at the stroke of midnight, the newly commissioned Second Lieutenants proudly displayed their rank insignia for the first time.