 Barrons was commissioned as a second lieutenant ( on probation ) ( university cadetship ) into the Royal Regiment of Artillery on 2 September 1977 . He studied Philosophy , Politics and Economics at The Queen 's College , Oxford , and completed his university cadetship , becoming a full @-@ time army officer on 21 June 1980 . His commission was confirmed in 1981 , with seniority from 17 May 1977 and he was promoted to lieutenant with seniority from 17 May 1979 . Between 1980 and 1990 , he served in various positions across Europe and the Far East as well as in a staff position at the Ministry of Defence in London . He was promoted to captain on 19 November 1983 @.@ and took a master 's degree in Defence Administration in 1990 , after which he attended the British Army 's Staff College , Camberley , in 1991 . 
