Old Trident 2LT Milly Hibbs (Class of 2021) returned to Trent College in June to share her experiences of university life, military training and her developing career in medicine with CCF cadets during their CCF Annual Awards Presentation.

Offering an insight into the hard work, commitment and determination that have shaped her career, Milly explained to the cadets how she had made the most of the opportunities available to her, balancing her academic studies with an impressive range of activities.

Milly’s commitment and determination were apparent throughout her time at Trent. She represented the School in hockey, netball, cricket, athletics and swimming, was a member of the Music School, CCF (RAF) and completed the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. She also served as a Senior Prefect.

Her time at school provided an early foundation in leadership, teamwork and managing competing commitments, qualities that would prove valuable as she pursued her ambitions in both medicine and the military.

“UOTCs are unique university societies where students thrive, make friends for life, have exciting and rewarding experiences.”

After leaving Trent in 2021, Milly studied Medicine at the University of St Andrews, while spending three years with Tayforth University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC). She explained to the cadets that she had not known about the UOTC before arriving at university, but joining it opened up a whole new range of experiences alongside her medical studies. She developed military skills, made lifelong friends and took part in opportunities including overseas training and representing the UOTC Army Hockey team.

Milly is continuing her medical training at Barts and the London Medical School, which she will complete next year, while developing her military career. She commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2025 and is now a Troop Commander with 144 (Parachute) Medical Squadron.

Her presentation gave the cadets a glimpse of the breadth of experiences that have come with combining medicine and military service. She spoke about training on Salisbury Plain, overseas camps, working alongside US Marines and helicopter operations, as well as ceremonial opportunities with the Airborne Brigade.

Importantly, Milly was keen to explain to the cadets that the UOTC does not require students to commit to a career in the Army. It provides an opportunity to develop transferable skills, make friends and have experiences that sit alongside university life.

“There is no commitment to a career in the Army, or to have had any previous experience.”

The cadets were keen to find out more, asking Milly about preparing for Sandhurst, balancing military commitments with university studies and how useful their CCF experience could be in the future. Her answer was encouraging: the skills developed through the CCF provide a strong foundation to build on. She also described how her experience at school had helped prepare her for the demands of military life, with the combination of study, activities, leadership and time management providing a familiar framework on a much larger scale.

“The skills you develop through CCF can give you a great starting point.”

Milly (centre) UOTC volunteer: Royal Military Tattoo, Edinburgh

For the CCF cadets, perhaps the most valuable part of Milly’s talk was seeing where the skills and experiences they are developing now can lead. Her own journey demonstrates the value of throwing yourself into opportunities, working hard towards your ambitions and being prepared to take an unexpected opportunity when it comes along.

From a Trent pupil balancing academics with sport, music, CCF and leadership, to a young doctor in training and Army officer, Milly’s journey provided an inspiring example of what can be achieved when ambition is matched by commitment and perseverance.

2LT Milly Hibbs pictured centre with Trent College Cadets

2025-26 CCF Awards presented by
Trent College CCF Contingent Commander, Sqdn.Ldr. Watson.

Squadron Leader Miriam Watson was a Reservist during her own time at university, before joining the Royal Air Force full time in 2003. She attended RAF College Cranwell to complete Officer training before commencing flying training as a Navigator. Following medical discharge, she retrained as a teacher, and is now Head of Chemistry at Trent College, and CCF Contingent Commander.

Congratulations to Award Winners:

Army Prize
Awarded to the Cadet who best embodies the Core Values of the Army
Cadet Henry C

RAF Prize
Awarded to the Cadet who best embodies the Core Values of the RAF.
Cadet Amy C

Harris Trophy
Endeavour Award for overcoming adversity in the CCF Army or RAF.
Cadet Tiia C, Army

Junior NCO Prize
Awarded to the Year 11 or 12 Cadet who demonstrated outstanding leadership potential.
Sergeant Milly D, RAF

Gale Trophy
Awarded to the Y9 cadet who has shown the greatest commitment to or made the most progress in the CCF.
Cadet Martha R, Army

Regimental Sergeant Major’s Award
Awarded in recognition of outstanding contribution to all aspects of the Combined Cadet Force.
WO Luca Bussell (Class of 2026)

The Trident Cup
Sponsored by the Old Tridents Society and awarded to the overall best Cadet in Year 10
Cadet Annabelle M, Army

“They are a credit to the school, but most of all a credit to themselves” Sqdn.Ldr. Watson

Awards were also presented for:

CCF RAF Camp: Best Junior NCOs and Most Improved Cadets
Year 9 CCF Achievements: First Aid Training
Army 1* Awards
RAF First Class Awards
Method Instruction Qualification
Academic Achievement
Master Cadet Course

Luca Bussell and Darsh Asher receiving their Master Cadet certificates on completionof the Master Cadet course.