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09
Aug
Bear Grylls attends Harrogate army college passing out parade
More than 600 junior soldiers marched onto Harrogate Army Foundation College's parade square yesterday in a graduation ceremony attended by new Honorary Colonel Bear Grylls.
Five thousand family members attended the parade, which started with the Red Devils performing a flyover.
Survival expert, TV presenter and former 21 SAS soldier Bear Grylls was appointed an honorary colonel at the Harrogate junior soldier training barracks this year.
He performed the role of senior inspecting officer yesterday. He said:
I may be a little older than you, a little more grizzled, but I know what’s it’s like to pass out as a young soldier. That day never leaves you.
Keep these three qualities sharp: courage, discipline, and resilience.
Bear Grylls inspects the junior soldiers. Pic: Crown Copyright 2024
The parade marks the end of phase one training for the 16 and 17-year-olds after months of military training.
One of the graduates, 17-year-old Junior Regimental Sergeant Major Dalton Barrow, from Stanleytown, Wales, enrolled after completing his GCSEs.
He led the parade on to the square and later said:
I wanted to join the army to travel, learn new skills and meet new people. It was a massive honour to meet Bear and receive my award, he’s a very nice guy.
Saluting one of the graduates. Pic: Crown Copyright 2024
Also graduating was junior soldier, Jardell ‘Jardy’ Pereira, 17. Jardy, from Oldham, received the ‘most improved’ award from Bear Grylls.
Before joining basic training, he was a labourer and carer, but decided to join the army as he wanted a challenge and the opportunity to gain qualifications.
He said:
My favourite memory is going on a trip to Normandy and learning about the history that came before me.
He hopes to join the Parachute Regiment once he has completed his trade training and join P Company.
Marching at the parade yesterday. Pic: Crown Copyright 2024
The college offers training to two cohorts of junior soldiers per year. Candidates embark on either a 49-week course or a shorter 23-week course.
Bear Grylls. Pic: Crown Copyright 2024
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