Trainee doctors, dentists and other students, who are being sponsored through university by the Royal Navy have swapped lecturers for a week-long acquaint course at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC).
Known as the Bursar and Medic Acquaint Course (BMAC), two groups of students spent a week each at the world-renowned college for training designed to be both challenging and demanding.
Highlights of the week included a debate, leadership exercises using the extensive facilities at the College, early morning fitness sessions and swim tests, along with inspections, ceremonial training and a night out under cover in the grounds.
Sub Lieutenant Lewis Ginger, BRNC’s Sponsored Undergraduate Staff Officer, said: “The purpose of these BMAC courses is not only to give the students a taste of initial military training, it’s also to test them, push them, facilitate self-discovery and allow the individuals to push themselves farther then they could possibly believe.
“I have been overwhelmed from the effort that I have seen from the students. We have had a 100% pass rate on the Royal Navy Fitness Test and each cadet completed the high ropes session, a feat that challenges even the bravest person.
“Their conduct around the college and their standards has been impeccable.
“I have the upmost confidence that these officer cadets will pass out of here with flying colours, I am proud to be their Commanding Officer”
Summing up the week, Cadet Harry Long, who aims for a career as a Royal Navy Warfare Officer, said: “Another BMAC week for Blake squadron, another week of giving a set of soon-to-be officers a better idea of what life will be like for them when they start full time in September.
“It’s been a jam- packed week and it’s also a great opportunity to ask plenty of questions to try and fill in the blanks about the Navy and what life will be like for many of the cadets in a few weeks.”
The Royal Navy is currently sponsoring 69 trainee doctors, five dentists and 37 bursars who are based at universities all over the United Kingdom.
They are administered through Blake Squadron throughout their education. Students attend an Admiralty Interview Board alongside other potential Officer candidates then assuming they score highly enough, are offered a place on the Sponsored Undergraduate Scheme.
Part of this scheme involves attending various training events including the BMAC courses, Blake Squadron Annual Weekend and involvement with one of the 15 University Royal Naval Units.
