The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) has placed ninth amongst 62 teams from 12 countries at the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition held at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., April 7-8, 2017.
Military academies from around the world are invited to participate in the prestigious Sandhurst competition, which dates back to 1967. Each team is comprised of nine officer cadets who work together to overcome the formidable and varied obstacles they encounter in the course of the competition.
The two-day skills competition typically includes the following: kilometres of navigation across difficult terrain, weapon handling, rifle marksmanship, combat swim (with full gear), trauma care / first aid, and problem solving and leadership challenges. “The remarkable young women and men representing RMC put in months of rigorous training, guided by our dedicated military and fitness staff,” said Brig.-Gen. Sean Friday, Commandant of RMC. “Their commitment and perseverance shows the kind of character that Canadians expect and can be proud of in our RMC Officer Cadets.”
RMC placed ninth overall and fifth amongst the international teams. They also achieved the gold standard, which is the top level of recognition for the tournament
RMC won the Sandhurst competition in 2005 to 2007, 2009 and 2016.
According to the United States Military Academy, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) presented USMA with a British Officer’s sword intended to be the prize for a competition that promotes military excellence amongst Cadets. The original mission statement reads “To provide the Corps of Cadets with a challenging and rewarding regimental skills competition, which will enhance professional development and military excellence in selected Soldier skills.”