Hurry Up and Wait: The Secret Life of a Sandhurst Cadet

by Geordie Stewart

Nobody forgets Sandhurst.

The perception from outside is of matchless professionalism, organisation and military efficiency. Sandhurst embodies all these qualities. But they aren't the whole story. Nor are they what makes it unique.

Hurry Up and Wait provides a captivating peek behind the curtain of the 44-week course that shapes the future officers of the British Army. It's the story of overachieving instructors meeting underperforming cadets. There's the stuff you'd parades, marching, making beds, shouting, shooting and standing up straight, all in the name of serving your country.

But the book is also about the people, relationships, laughter, contradictions, chaos and frantic reality that exists below the serene surface. It's Hogwarts with guns, 140-hour weeks, endless acronyms and half-smoked cigarettes. It is, above all, about playing the game.

Welcome to the finest military academy in the world.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2023

Reviews

[Damo R]

Short, fun read about Geordie’s time on the regular commissioning course at RMAS. I enjoyed reading about blokes going “man down shit pants,” praying for “boots-off gonkers” in their doss bags, and desperately trying to get as much time in the “lights-off-sub-duvet-boots-off-horizontal-eyelid-inspecting position” as possible back in Old or New College.

[Brendan]

Fascinating look inside the trials of Sandhurst cadets preparing to lead soldiers in the British Army. Geordie captures experiences with his typical wit and wisdom. Highly enjoyable read for someone like myself with no Sandhurst or military experience, though Sandhurst graduates will appreciate it even more.

[Sam Ward]

I was on the course with the author - it’s a brilliant recount of what life is like from our perspective as cadets.

11/10 - would recommend to any/all that have family in the Army or are considering joining.

[Roger Morgan-Grenville]

Love Sandhurst or loathe it (I was in the latter camp), it has been churning out the people who go on and lead our army for many decades and, until now, has defied description. Stewart's book is a refreshing and polished treatment that accomplishes the delicate balance between humour (which it has in plenty) and making useful points. It's a great introduction for non military readers to understand why the British army has ended up the way it has. Highly recommended.

[guerilla]

Great book on Sandhurst and everything in it. Relates a little to how RMAS impacts Stewart himself, however I would’ve liked it if it had more about the outcome of becoming an officer and the life as a young officer. Didn’t mention Stewart was in Light Dragoons or his regiment at all, but mentioned about the RSB. Good book overall.