Junior soldiers from Harrogate’s Army Foundation College took part in a passing out parade yesterday.
More than 500 graduates, who are all under the age of 18 when they joined, marked the end of their initial training by marching off the parade square.
The event was watched by a crowd of around 4,000 family members and friends.
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Farebrother MC, Commanding Officer of the AFC, said:
“These soldiers represent the very best of our nation’s young people. They are now ready for their second phase of training which will hone the skills learnt here and develop those required for their chosen trade.
“They follow in the footsteps of those who have graduated from the Army Foundation College before them and gone onto great careers in the British Army.”
The mascot of the Queen’s Dragoon Guards with his handler, walk down Sir Tom Moore Walk at the Army Foundation College Harrogate as the graduation parade begins.
Members of the public take photos of their loved ones during the graduation parade at Army Foundation College Harrogate.
The parade not only marked the end of the graduates training, but also the 75th anniversary of Harrogate’s Uniacke Barracks.
The Senior Inspecting Officer, General Sir Patrick Sanders KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen, Chief of the General Staff, said:
“There are some moments in a person’s life that they remember forever. These are the moments that matter. This is one of those moments.
“This is an army that is currently mobilising to prevent the spread of war in Europe. It is a task inherently linked to our core purpose – to protect the nation by being ready to fight and win wars.”
The Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Patrick Sanders, gives a speech.
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