Yahoo News Fight your own battles with Sandhurst's self-help book
Sandhurst is to parade its self-help credentials by releasing the first book on life lessons from British Army officers.
The Royal Military Academy, where all officers in the Army are trained to take on the responsibility of leading soldiers, will publish its first official self-improvement and leadership book next month.
Stand Up Straight: 10 Life Lessons from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst by Maj Gen Paul Nanson explores simple but transformative lessons that every officer is taught during their time at the world-famous military academy.
The book, which is published in collaboration with the Army, draws on first-hand experiences from war as well as the core leadership lessons taught at Sandhurst, including teamwork, emotional intelligence, resilience and fast decision-making under pressure.
During training at Sandhurst, all officer cadets learn to live by the academy's motto: "Serve to Lead." Graduates include Winston Churchill, Sir Michael Morpurgo, Maj Tim Peake and the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex.
Other nations send their personnel to Sandhurst for officer training because it is recognised as a world-leading military training academy. Maj Gen Nanson said: "Sandhurst has a special place in the heart of every British, and many international, army officers.
"I owe the academy a great deal. It set me up for my military career and has, I believe, helped me cope with some of life's challenges.
"I hope this book serves to reflect on the decades of history, heritage and ethos; and that the stories of Sandhurst training and experience, coupled with personal vignettes from field exercises and operations, will resonate with readers from all walks of life."
In a class of one's own
The life lessons I learnt at Sandhurst, by Dominic Nicholls
Sabrage. The ability to open a champagne bottle with a sword is a skill that has served me well.
Keep a sense of humour. Like when a company sergeant major placed his pace stick on a cadet's chest and boomed: "There's a scruffy eejit at the end of this stick!" and he replied: "Not at this end, Sir!" He regretted it.
Learn not only how to iron, but when. A friend thought his collar needed a last press - and branded a line across his neck.
Store in the body, not in the bergen (military rucksack). Eat whenever the chance arises - useful when offered canapés.
Sleep is a weapon. But if caught out, say "Amen" before opening your eyes.
