WILL Quince traded in green benches for muddy trenches to become a British Army officer.

The MP for Colchester is now a commissioned reserve officer in the British Army after four weeks of training at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, one of the world’s biggest leadership academies.

Over the four weeks, budding reservists learn everything they need to know about being an officer, including leadership skills, navigation, and weapons handling.

Mr Quince marked his achievement in front of his parents, wife, and two children at a passing out parade last week.

Gazette: Proud - Will Quince at his passing out paradeProud - Will Quince at his passing out parade (Image: Will Quince)

Gazette: Camo - Mr Quince spent four weeks training at RMA SandhurstCamo - Mr Quince spent four weeks training at RMA Sandhurst (Image: Will Quince)

He said the parade had been a long time in the making but that it was brilliant to share the experience with his family.

“I wish I’d have done it when I was 20 and not 40,” he said.

“It’s a way of giving something back as I represent a garrison city where the military is at its heart and has been for centuries.”

The Conservative MP felt many of the skills he learned are transferrable to his day job as the city’s member of parliament, but admitted some of the physical parts of the course were gruelling.

Gazette: Attention - he was joined by his parents, wife, and two childrenAttention - he was joined by his parents, wife, and two children (Image: Will Quince)

Gazette: Wet - Will admitted some of the physical training was toughWet - Will admitted some of the physical training was tough (Image: Will Quince)

“Some of the stuff in water during November was chilly but it was a real achievement, and I’m not the best with heights so some parts were tricky, but it’s designed to push you,” he added.

Asked what his advice would be to anyone considering becoming an Army reservist, his words of wisdom were simple: “Look into it.

“It’s both mentally and physically challenging but reassuringly so because you’re going on to be an officer in the British Army.

“It’s also hugely rewarding. You gain new skills and experiences, meet new people, and push yourself which is a good thing.

“You also identify where your strengths and weaknesses are and where you can improve.”

Mr Quince, who has been Colchester’s MP since 2015, announced earlier this year he won’t stand for the city’s seat in the House of Commons at the next general election.

Earlier this month, he resigned from his ministerial role amid Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle.