For most of us, there come a few very special days which serve as
mile-stones in our lives. For those of you who today are about to become full members of the officer corps of the Army, this is a mile-stone day: a day which, as you prepare to start out on this most demanding but rewarding of careers, will stay forever in your minds and the minds of your friends and your families; many of whom are here today to offer you their love and support.

Next year sees the sixtieth anniversary of the formation of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst; the spiritual home of the officer corps of the British Army. And the high standards which it continues to demand of its cadets have been exemplified by your impressive drill and turnout today. The Academy's principal aim is to develop the qualities of leadership, character, and intellect demanded of an Army officer on first appointment.

For those who are to be commissioned today, and those who will shortly follow, a great deal will be expected of you. You must be courageous yet selfless; leaders yet carers; confident yet considerate. And you must be all these things in some of the most challenging environments around the world: so that men and women will willingly follow your lead into every possible situation with absolute trust in your judgement. These are very special attributes; but those whom you will command, and your country too, will expect nothing less.

I am speaking to every individual one of you when I say: you are very special people. In your hands lies the task of maintaining the effectiveness of not just the British Army, but also the armies of our friends and allies represented here today, in peace and war. I place that trust in you with confidence. And my prayers for your success and safety will follow you wherever you may be called upon to serve, as you set out on your path towards new goals and future mile-stone days.

I send my congratulations to you all.