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Hurry Up and Wait: The Secret Life of a Sandhurst Cadet
, Nobody forgets Sandhurst.
The outside perception is one of pure professionalism, organisation, resilience and, dare I say, military efficiency. It’s all those things. But that isn’t what makes Sandhurst unique.
This is a story of when reality meets perception and overachieving instructors meet underperforming cadets. There’s the stuff you’d expect from army officer parades, marching, making beds, shining, saluting, shouting, standing up straight and serving your country. But this is a story about
people, relationships, idiosyncrasies, laughter, contradictions, chaos and the frantic existence below the serene surface. It’s Hogwarts with guns, playing the game, 140-hour weeks, half- smoked cigarettes, five minutes before five minutes and getting on and off that bloody bus.
So prepare your ironing board, get on the line and welcome to the fi nest military academy in the world.,
The outside perception is one of pure professionalism, organisation, resilience and, dare I say, military efficiency. It’s all those things. But that isn’t what makes Sandhurst unique.
This is a story of when reality meets perception and overachieving instructors meet underperforming cadets. There’s the stuff you’d expect from army officer parades, marching, making beds, shining, saluting, shouting, standing up straight and serving your country. But this is a story about
people, relationships, idiosyncrasies, laughter, contradictions, chaos and the frantic existence below the serene surface. It’s Hogwarts with guns, playing the game, 140-hour weeks, half- smoked cigarettes, five minutes before five minutes and getting on and off that bloody bus.
So prepare your ironing board, get on the line and welcome to the fi nest military academy in the world.,
224 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2022
7 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 16, 2023
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.
January 9, 2024
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.
11/10 - would recommend to any/all that have family in the Army or are considering joining.
September 13, 2022
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.
July 20, 2025
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.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews