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Legendary ex-Welsh Guardsman Billy Mott brings British Army standards to US cadets

Watch: Ex-Welsh Guardsman puts US cadets through their paces

A decorated former British Army warrant officer has brought his legendary eye for detail to the United States, inspecting cadets at Valley Forge Military Academy and College.

Ex-Welsh Guardsman and former London District Garrison Sergeant Major Billy Mott carried out a rigorous room inspection at the prestigious Pennsylvania military school, reinforcing the high standards he once upheld in the British Army.

Wearing the No 1 dress uniform of the Welsh Guards and sporting the insignia of WO1, he scrutinised every inch of the cadets' quarters, checking for dust, inspecting their kit and demanding nothing short of excellence.

A video from the event captures his exacting standards as he instructs cadets on discipline, attention to detail and personal responsibility.

"You might want to open that window in case there's things that I want to throw out," he said before slipping on the pair of gloves.

"I've also brought myself a clean pair of gloves, white gloves, so that I can check for dust in here."

Inspecting the window latches, he reminded the cadets that cleanliness extended beyond what was immediately visible.

"You've got to make sure that you clean them, okay? I know for a fact your mum and dad wouldn't allow dirty windows in the household [or] in the car, would they?"

Ex-Welsh Guardsman & London District Garrison Sgt Major William Mott inspects young cadets at Valley Forge Military Academy & College in the USA 🇺🇸.

A fantastic video showcasing his dedication to shaping the next generation of leaders in America

Cymru Am Byth #WelshGuardspic.twitter.com/tTA5NP7qrm

— Welsh Guards (@Official_1WG) March 13, 2025

"There's more rubbish here than in the compactor"

The former GSM moved methodically around the room, inspecting every detail. Spotting clutter in the corner, he asked, "What's that down there? What about your attention to detail?"

A pile of rubbish drew a sharp rebuke. "I think there's more rubbish there than what we've got in the compactor. You need to get rid of all of that, okay?"

Turning his attention to the way their uniforms were hanging in the wardrobe, the ex-Guardsman emphasised the importance of presentation.

"Make sure you've got your uniforms in the right order. Put them so that the sleeves [lie] one over the other so it looks stylish, you've got a bit of style to it."

"What's all this?"

As he continued the inspection, he noticed items carelessly placed on top of a locker. "What's all this? It's just materialised into the room. What's that in the corner of the room? What's that down there?" he asked.

The former British soldier, who was brought up in Cheshire, even adapted to the American dialect, calling the bin a trash can

"What's this called? It's a trash can, okay? That's where it should go – along with that rubbish that you've got in the corner over there," he told the youngsters.

His focus remained on attention to detail, ensuring the cadets understood that every item had a place. "If you go to the locker layout, make sure you've got the same coat hangers so everything is central, balanced on the top," he explained.

Spotting a pair of boots out of place, he directed the cadet to arrange them properly, ensuring they were polished and stored in the correct position.

"In the centre and polished, so that it is in the centre of the locker layout, okay? Like he's got," he told the cadet.

After completing the inspection, he gave his final instructions.

"When I return, I expect to see through them," he said of the windows. "We look at them as if it's foggy."

Welsh Guards takes the salute at the final official rehearsal one week prior to Trooping the Colour with Bill Mott

Then-Sergeant Major Mott attends the final rehearsal one week prior to Trooping the Colour (Picture: Alamy)

A career defined by military precision

The ex-soldier's reputation for excellence in military standards is well-earned.

Enlisting in the Welsh Guards in 1979, he served in Northern Ireland and the Falklands War before taking on leadership roles at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he helped shape future British Army officers.

He became Garrison Sergeant Major of London District in 2002, a role that placed him at the heart of British military ceremonial traditions.

Spending more than a decade in the post, he oversaw national events such as Trooping the Colour, ensuring they were conducted to the highest standard.

His presence at Valley Forge continues this legacy of discipline and precision.

Now holding a senior leadership role at the academy, Billy Mott works to instil the same values in cadets, helping shape the next generation of American military leaders.