Joining MSUOTC

You don't need to have any previous military experience or a military background. Male or female, if you are under 30 and a British and Commonwealth passport holders, studying in full time education in Manchester or Salford, with a minimum of two years study on your course remaining, you are eligible to apply. For a full list of those countries included in the Commonwealth, click here.

This year we have 100 places available for new Officer Cadets. We usually have far more than this apply, so we have to run a selection process. If you can display basic leadership qualities, a willingness to learn and a basic level of fitness then you will not have too much of a problem getting through. Selection is carried out in three phases:

1. OPEN DAYS AND THE INTERVIEW.

During Welcome Week candidates are welcome to come into University Barracks and meet members of both the Regular and Territorial Army staff as well as students from the OTC. There will be displays and stands illustrating the training and activities we offer and you will have a chance to talk to current members and find out what it is like. During this visit, if you want to join, you will be given a questionnaire to fill in and then will have an interview which covers such topics as why you are interested in joining the OTC and what qualities you have to offer. How well you do in this interview will determine whether or not you are invited to attend the selection process. Look out for our Recruiting Team at the Welcome Week fairs or just call in at the Barracks if you want to know more about what we do. 

2. SELECTION PROCESS. 

If you are successful at interview you will be notified by email and invited to attend the selection weekend on 1-3 Oct 10. You must confirm your place on this, otherwise it will be offered to someone else. The selection weekend is a challenging but very enjoyable weekend held at a local training area. The weekend starts on Friday evening and runs until Sunday afternoon. You will be put into syndicates and each syndicate will complete a series of activities including basic physical fitness, group problem-solving tasks, lecturettes and group discussions. There will be a social event on Saturday evening.

You will be informed on Sunday evening if we want you to continue with the selection process. The selection process continues throughout October. You will attend training sessions every Wednesday evening (1800 hrs  2100 hrs) and there will be two further training weekends on 15-17 Oct and 29-31 Oct which you will need to attend. If you are deemed up to the standard and still want to join at the end of all that you will be offered a place pending medical assessment. 

3. THE MEDICAL. 

In order to join you have to pass a medical. This includes basic tests for eyesight and hearing as well as a general physical check up to confirm you are fit to join the unit. There are certain medical conditions which may prevent you from joining MSUOTC so if you are currently taking any medication or have any medical problems you should inform the interviewer during your initial interview and/or contact Capt Julie Cook, the Medical Officer, for further advice via the admin office on 0161 228 2185. There are certain medical conditions which may prevent you from joining MSUOTC so if you are currently taking medication or have any medical problems you should inform the interviewer and/or contact Capt Julie Cook, the Medical Officer for further advice via the admin office on 0161 228 2185.