Cambridge University OTC
Learn skills for life, develop attributes valuable to future employers, make the kind of friends you will keep for life and earn decent money in a prestigious part-time “job” while you study.
Cambridge University Officers’ Training Corps is a unit of the Territorial Army, serving university students in East Anglia. Based in Cambridge and Norwich, we engage in military and adventurous training, and enjoy a healthy social life.
There is no call up commitment and no obligation to military service now or in the future.
Recruiting takes place annually at UEA Norwich and at Cambridge at the Freshers Fairs of UEA and Cambridge. Members of Anglia Ruskin University are invited to attend the Cambridge Freshers Fair.
For further information please contact us.
The history of the Cambridge University Officers' Training Corps dates back to 1803 when students at the University formed the 'Rifle Volunteers' in apprehension of French invasion.
The Cambridge University Rifle Volunteers (CURV) grew to around 500 members around the time of the Boer War and
a detachment was sent to South Africa to augment the Suffolk Regiment, the only university unit ever to see active service. This action earned the CURV the Battle Honour 'South Africa 1900-01'. The CURV became the CUOTC in 1908.
The CUOTC is dedicated to developing personal and leadership skills in university students in East Anglia. We engage in both military and adventurous training, as well as having a very healthy social life, and aim to teach students skills that are transferable to any chosen career.
Our aim is not to recruit, but we do encourage and assist those with interest and aptitude in considering a Regular Army career or continuing to serve in the TA after graduation.
CUOTC have spent the summer conducting their Annual Camp in Okehampton in Devon and are planning adventurous training and expeditions worldwide.
CUOTC maintains firm links with its alumni through an association known as The Light Blue Volunteers. Many alumni have gone on to achieve great things in industry and the Army, and we keep in touch through regular events.




