In 1875 Burney's Academy at Gosport was providing courses for "young men in the militia cramming for the Militia Competitive examination to enter the regular army". I assume, given Burney's normal student body, that these were officer candidates. I also assume that this examination and consequent possible admission to the regular army was part of the administrative reforms introduced following the Crimean War, which included the abolition of the purchasing of commissions. I've searched the web looking for enlightenment without scoring a hit. Anyone happen to know anything about this examination procedure? Thanks Peter Gawn. Sechelt, B.C., Canada.