The Officer Cadets at KDU are subjected to compulsory military training whilst carrying out their academic pursuits. The military training is designed and planned to educate, train and inspire Officer Cadets for an exemplary career as Commissioned Officers of the three Services.

The first step in military training is discipline. The daily regimentation of an Officer Cadet's life is designed to develop an appreciation of discipline and an understanding of the need to maintain professional standards of the highest order. Self-discipline, sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others, and unselfish and thoughtful services to the nation are among the characteristics most highly prized within the Officer Cadets of the KDU.

The Officer Cadets devote one fourth of their total period of time for military training during their degree programme. During the initial three months (outside the degree programme proper) the new Cadets undergo an intensely rigorous military orientation phase that encompasses an intensive course in English too.

The Training Wing of the KDU under the instructions of the Commanding Officer provides military education and training both in the classroom and in the field. A large part of this instruction is conducted to provide basic military knowledge on basic tactics, field craft, map reading, service writing, joint staff duties and military history emphasizing on developing in each Officer Cadet the basic leadership expertise crucial to the Profession of Arms.

The Training Wing is responsible for administering a comprehensive Physical Education Programme as well for the Officer Cadets. The purpose of this programme is to condition the Officer Cadets physically and mentally to cope with the final phase of military training at their respective Military Academies.

Every Cadet is an Athlete and every athlete is faced with challenges. Every Officer Cadet at KDU participates in intercollegiate, club or intramural sports, in addition to their physical education programme. Hence the value of athletic experience to the potential Service Officer has long been recognized at KDU. Intramurals give every Officer Cadet a chance to develop leadership, strength, co-ordination and endurance as well as an opportunity to reduce stress and maintain an active life style.

Bearing, discipline and power of command are some of the contributory factors for the feeling of pride as an effective leader. The parade ground discipline is taught through drill-training to enrich the Officer Cadets to enhance their sense of alertness, dignity and loyalty towards their Services and the country.

"Every Officer Cadet strives to be a marksman." Based on this concept, weapon training and live firing form a vital component of the military training programme. The Cadets are taught the principles of basic marksmanship and the theory of small arms and thus they go through a series of practical lessons on the handling of various weapons used at the platoon level prior to live firing. This will invariably condition their mind to meet the operational standards in the field, up to the platoon level.

Subject such as International Affairs and Military History are taught to Officer Cadets to learn and examine the changing nature of warfare from the early modern period to the recent wars, and also about the changing political situations in the world. Thus, this study package allows the Officer Cadets to master changes in the societies, institutions, ideologies and events in the modern world. The second year Officer Cadets are assigned to conduct syndicate presentations on well-chosen topics by carrying out research studies on various current issues relevant to local and international scenarios and case studies on major military operations launched by Sri Lankan Armed Forces in the recent past in order to give them a better insight into the needs of their profession.

The following extract "The Making of an Officer and a Gentleman" by Lt Gen JED Perera, the Chancellor of the KDU explains the necessity of familiarizing the Officer Cadets with the military way of life, which is exactly what is done through the military training, carried out at the KDU.

"Civilian life is very different to that prevailing in the Armed Forces. In the Services a man/woman is trained to be a balanced individual in times of peace and to use controlled violence when at war. He/She is conditioned for battle and trained to have the correct reflexes when faced with danger. Some people find it difficult to understand military discipline, the saluting, the spit and polish, and all insignia with ceremonial attire. But it is exactly these, which give the Armed Forces stamina and a sense of values, above all discipline, character and make them into a proud and unified body. Their customs and traditions are the very symbols of the fighting spirit which help them to nurture the way of military life."

How It Begins

The routine of activities at KDU is as follows.

A new batch of Officer Cadets is enlisted to KDU on September each year. After enlistment they undergo an intensive training schedule of Military training and English Language learning activities for a period of three months. At the end of the English course they have an English day and all the Officer Cadets get an opportunity to perform their talents acquired during the training sessions.

After the Intensive Course during the 1st year academic programme educational and other outdoor activities are also arranged by the university. During the training in the 1st year Officer Cadets are introduced to most of the sports activities conducted at the KDU. At the end of the 1st semester Officer Cadets celebrate their Parents’ day.