As it is more or less a custom, you are only told to participate at least once.
And the results had no consequences for your career as soldier, but if your results were good, you would have an advantage at the assessment. It seems to open the way up until intermediate commander.
“If you want to rise to senior commander, there are various abilities necessary such as commanding and rear support.” (Breithilde)
A supreme commander cuts down his enemies with his superior sword technique.
Because it will be a loss if the battle progress reaches that point, the sword skill isn’t very important, it seems.