An officer cadet from High Wycombe is set to lead a platoon of 30 soldiers after graduating from the world renowned Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. 

Jonathan Buchanan, 30, celebrated his graduation in a commissioning parade on Friday, April 13 after completing 44 weeks of intensive military and academic training as well as adventurous training and sporting challenges. 

The parade is a key milestone for every Army Officer and has been celebrated at the end of each term for more than 200 years. 

As well as leading troops, Officer Cadet Buchanan could be deployed on peacekeeping missions or to deliver humanitarian aid within months of graduating.

With the support of friends and family in the audience, Officer Cadet Buchanan took part in the Sovereign’s Parade in front of the Chief of the General Staff, Sir Nick Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen.

Officer Cadet Buchanan, said: “Being part of an elite group of people that have graduated as British Army Officers from Sandhurst makes me extremely proud.

"It’s one of the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken, but also one of the most rewarding. I cannot wait to be putting the leadership skills I’ve learned at Sandhurst to good use as part of my new Regiment." 

Major General Paul Nanson, Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, said: “Congratulations to all our Officer Cadets on their commissions.

"The Cadets have come from a wide variety of backgrounds – many have come straight from university, some from sixth form and some from within the Army’s soldier ranks – but they will now all embark on their Army careers with the same outstanding training.

“Being an Officer in the Army means supporting each of your soldiers and colleagues, sharing values and goals, and working together to achieve something that really matters.

"I look forward to seeing each of our new Officers realise their full potential as they embark on their careers with the Army.”