Officer Cadet Jessica Parkinson (above), a 26-year-old from Mansfield, has joined the ranks of the British Army’s next generation of leaders, after passing out in a graduation ceremony at the world-renowned Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

It marked the completion of 44 weeks of intensive military and academic training, combined with adventurous training and sporting challenges.

With friends and family in the audience, Officer Cadet Parkinson took part in the Sovereign’s Parade and has been promoted to Second Lieutenant.

She 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 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.”

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.”