Wyatt Michaux (OC 2018) is a troop leader within the King’s Royal Hussars. The King’s Royal Hussars form part of 12 brigade. The regiment, a brigade and a division, is responsible for providing a combat effectiveness.
For most young men, high school is a time to explore who they are and figure out where they’re headed. It’s a period where dreams begin to take shape and decisions about the future slowly solidify. For Lieutenant Wyatt James Michaux, who matriculated from Maritzburg College in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in 2018, this pivotal period marked the beginning of his path to becoming a cavalry officer in the British Army—though that wasn’t always the plan.
“I never really pictured myself in the military at first,” Wyatt admits. “It wasn’t until I saw my friends getting excited about university that I realized something was missing for me. I didn’t want the same path. I was searching for something that would challenge me, both mentally and physically, and give me the chance to be part of something bigger than myself. The military turned out to be the perfect fit.”
Wyatt credits Maritzburg College for laying the foundation of his journey. The school’s strong focus on academics, sports, and producing well-rounded individuals taught him discipline, resilience, and the importance of teamwork—traits that would prove invaluable in the military. “Being part of a sports team, you quickly learn that it’s not just about your own success,” he reflects. “It’s about how well the team does. That same sense of camaraderie is what drives you in the army.” His love for history and figures like Churchill and Nelson also sparked a deep desire for a career steeped in meaning and tradition.
When he decided to pursue a military career, Wyatt made the bold move of joining the British Army—a choice that surprised his family. “It’s not every day that someone in South Africa decides to join the British Army,” he says with a smile. “But my family quickly saw that this was where I’d thrive. The level of training in the British Army is unmatched, and once they realized how important this was to me, they were behind me 100%.”
The journey to becoming a soldier wasn’t without its challenges. The recruitment process tested Wyatt’s resolve, but he remained focused. “There were tough moments, no doubt, but I never lost sight of what I wanted,” he recalls. His advice to aspiring Maritzburg College students? “Do your homework. Stay physically fit. Network with others in the field. And make sure you’re absolutely certain about your choice because this career will test you in ways you can’t always predict.”
Wyatt’s military career started in the 1st Royal Irish Regiment as a Ranger, where he gained valuable experience working with armoured vehicles and weapons. But his ambitions went beyond that. After three years, he was selected to attend the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. “Graduating from Sandhurst was a huge honour,” Wyatt shares. “It’s one of those milestones that tests you at every level, but the sense of accomplishment at the end is incredible.”
After completing the 11-month course, Wyatt was commissioned into the King’s Royal Hussars as a cavalry officer and troop leader. He now commands a troop of 30 soldiers and oversees four Challenger 2 main battle tanks. “I’m responsible for their training, welfare, and tactical movements,” he explains. The role has been both demanding and fulfilling, from completing his Challenger 2 training to participating in a multinational exercise in Germany, where he worked alongside NATO forces.
His career has taken him all over the world, with one of his most memorable experiences being a deployment to Chunga National Park in Zambia. There, he worked with the Special Anti-Poaching Unit to help them combat illegal poaching. “It was incredibly rewarding,” he says. “We spent three months sharing knowledge and learning from each other. It was a reminder that military service can go far beyond combat.”
Moving from South Africa to the UK wasn’t without its personal challenges either. “It wasn’t easy being so far from home,” Wyatt admits. “The cultural differences and the unpredictability of army life can be overwhelming, but my family, especially my mother, was always there for me. She was my rock, constantly reminding me why I chose this path.”
As a cavalry officer, Wyatt is deeply committed to the values of service—whether it’s in leadership or broader military operations that contribute to national security and humanitarian causes. His involvement in high-profile events, like the coronation of King Charles III and meeting dignitaries like HRH Princess Anne, highlights the diverse and fulfilling nature of his role.
Looking ahead, Wyatt is keeping his options open. “As long as I’m still enjoying what I do, I’ll stay in the army,” he says. “The future likely holds more deployments and further training to keep us ready for whatever comes next.”
Wyatt Michaux’s journey from Maritzburg College to the British Army is a powerful testament to the strength of determination, resilience, and finding a purpose-driven career. His story is an inspiring example of how far you can go when you’re willing to push yourself and pursue what truly matters. As Wyatt himself puts it, “Nothing worthwhile comes easy, but the rewards make it all worthwhile.”
Combat effectiveness takes a variety of forms and is not limited to war. It includes duties such as roles played in diplomacy, civilian organisational help and providing services that increase national security. They may take the form of flood relief, providing testing centres or driving ambulances during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wyatt recently spent a year at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and a deployment to Germany on a multinational exercise. The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is responsible for training all officers of the British Army, as well as those of a multitude of different nations. It is considered one of the most prestigious military academies in the world.