Ballymena soldier has key role at Sandhurst

A BALLYMENA man has spoken of his key role at one of the most famous military institutions in the world - the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).

Ross Martin’s formative years were spent in Ballymena, where he attended Carnaghts Primary School and then Antrim High School.

A further year was spent studying a Diploma in Engineering at Farm Lodge. Leaving school with several ‘O’ levels and CSEs, Ross, at the age of 17, decided to join the Irish Guards. He went on to spend six months at the Guards Depot (now the Army Training Centre) in Pirbright, England.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Some 22 years later, Ross is the Academy Sergeant Major in Sandhurst, where all Officers in the Army are trained to take on the responsibilities of leading soldiers and given the Queen’s Commission.

Ross’s job is to be the right hand man of the two-star General, Commandant, Major General Marriot CBE.

Ross said: “This is my second tour at Sandhurst, it’s a thoroughly rewarding job as at the end every term there are nearly three hundred young men and women commissioned and on their way to their first appointment within the Army.

“My job as Academy Sergeant Major is to uphold the values and standards of the Army. RMAS aims to be the ‘national centre of excellence for military leadership’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We develop leadership in cadets by expanding their character, intellect and professional competences through military training and education so that they are ready to lead soldiers both on and off operations.”

He also holds the most senior soldier appointment in the Army and is a Warrant Officer Class One.

“I’ve had some wonderful experiences throughout my career, one of which was as Regimental Sergeant Major on parade for Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday parade in London, where I drew my sword in front of Her Majesty.

“Here at Sandhurst many young men and women get their first taste of Army life, friendships are made – many of them last a lifetime. They will experience any number of things that you would not find in today’s culture, from the formalities of an organised society to the regimental nuances of the Mess dinner.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“At Sandhurst there is no occasion for anyone to sit on their laurels, I instill the need for all to be at their very best at all times, only then will they succeed. I’m lucky to hold this wonderful appointment and be part of history as we train the future Generals of the Army.”

Related topics: