The Royal Military College of Canada places second at Military Competition in the U.S.

News release

April 16, 2018 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) has placed second amongst 64 teams from 14 countries at the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition held at the United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, N.Y., April 13-14, 2018.

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 (plus two alternates that run the entire competition with their team) 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: approximately 43 kilometres of navigation across difficult terrain, weapon handling, rifle marksmanship, combat swim (with full gear), trauma care / first aid, problem solving and leadership challenges.

Additional multimedia

The Royal Military College of Canada being cheered being on as they compete on the second day of the 50th annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition in WestPoint, NY.
The Royal Military College of Canada being cheered being on as they compete on the second day of the 50th annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition in WestPoint, NY.

Quotes

“The remarkable young officer cadets representing RMC put in months of demanding training, supported by our dedicated staff. They should be proud of their commitment and perseverance as a team and I congratulate them on placing second of 64 teams and first internationally of 14 nations.”

– Brigadier-General Sébastien Bouchard, Commandant, Royal Military College of Canada

Quick facts

  • RMC placed second overall and first 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.

  • RMC was the only Canadian team entered in 2018, and competed against 64 teams from 13 other countries including the United States (50 teams), the United Kingdom (two teams), Australia, Germany, Chile, and Japan (one team each).

  • According to the United States Military Academy (USMA), 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”.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Search for related information by keyword: Military | National Defence | Canada | National security and defence | general public | news releases

Page details

Date modified: