What are the University Service Units?
As a student at Sheffield Hallam University, you can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including the opportunity to become a member of a University Service Unit.
The University Service Units are military leadership training units that recruit students from universities in different regions. They are a great opportunity to gain an insight into military life and develop a range of skills through participation in unique experiences like military exercises, adventurous training, community projects and expeditions.
There are three units in the UK:
- The University Royal Naval Units (URNU), operated by the Royal Navy
- The University Officers' Training Corps (UOTC), operated by the British Army
- The University Air Squadrons (UAS), operated by the Royal Air Force
Each unit has locations established across the country and students can apply to join their local unit.
What does being part of a Unit involve?
Students who join are known as Officer Cadets and receive training in topics such as frontline management, situational management, risk assessment, physical and mental robustness, emotional intelligence, problem-solving and public speaking to name a few.
The units are a great way to develop your leadership skills and enhance your employability among both military and civilian employers. There may also be the opportunity to achieve formal qualifications as part of the unit. For example, some Officer Cadets in the Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron have gained instructional qualifications in areas such as solo navigation, formation flying and aerobatics.
Once you have joined a unit, you are considered a Reserve of the British Armed Forces and will be paid for the activities you take part in, but you cannot be deployed to full-time military service and there is no obligation for you to join the Armed Forces after leaving university.
You would be expected to attend weekly training evenings at the unit’s base during term-time which cover a variety of topics and training and to attend several training camps across weekends throughout the year. There are also opportunities to engage in social events with other Officer Cadets such as Remembrance Sunday parades and Annual Dinners.
Each unit understands that university and academic work must take priority over extracurricular activities and support you to develop skills to help you manage your commitments.
How do I join a University Service Unit?
You can apply to join one of the following University Service Units that recruit students from the Yorkshire and Humber Region:
- Yorkshire University Royal Naval Unit (based at Carlton Barracks, just North of Leeds)
- Sheffield University Officers’ Training Corps (based at Somme Barracks at Broomhall, Sheffield)
- Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron (based at RAF Leeming, between Catterick and Thirsk)
The application process begins in time for the start of the academic year in September. Specific entry requirements are communicated by each unit but to be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, be enrolled in a higher education course at a university and meet nationality and residency requirements required by the unit. If you already engage in extracurricular activities then this is likely to strengthen your application.
You would typically be invited to an assessment day at the unit base, which includes a short interview with the training staff. You are also required to pass a security vetting and be in good health to pass a medical check to be offered a place as an Officer Cadet.
How can I find out more?
If you’re interested in becoming an Officer Cadet, please visit the University Service Unit websites for further information and to express your interest.
The units also attend Freshers Fairs, where you can speak to current Officer Cadets and make regular updates via their social media channels:
- The Yorkshire University Royal Naval Unit Facebook group and Twitter account
- The Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron (YUAS) Facebook page and Twitter account
- The Sheffield University Officers’ Training Corps (SUOTC) Facebook page and Instagram account