A graduation parade in Harrogate today marked the completion of training for over 400 of the British Army’s newest soldiers.
A crowd of around 2,000 family members and friends witnessed the occasion at the Army Foundation College on Penny Pot Lane.
The college provides training tailored exclusively to junior soldiers, who are all under the age of 18 when they join up.
Junior soldiers stand on parade for graduation at AFC Harrogate. Pic MOD Crown Copyright 2022 / Cpl Danielle Dawson RLC
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Farebrother MC, commanding officer of the college, said:
“Those graduating today have proved equal to the test and 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.”
Pic: MOD Crown Copyright 2022 / Cpl Danielle Dawson RLC
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The event was presided over by Lieutenant General Sir Christopher Tickell, deputy chief of the general staff in the British Army.
The parade, which featured music from the British Army Band Catterick, marked the culmination of months of military training and education at the college.
Families look on at the graduation parade. MOD Crown Copyright 2022 / Cpl Danielle Dawson RLC
A statement by the Military of Defence said:
“Through leadership development, The Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme accreditation, sporting prowess, adventurous training, and education — no other military invests the time, energy, and breadth of resources into its soldiers as the British Army does through the Army Foundation College.
“The college is also one of the most effective education establishments in the United Kingdom and, as an Ofsted outstanding institution, it represents the jewel in the crown of the British Army’s training engine.”