The Army Insight Course is a 4-Day Course aimed at young men and women aged 16 and over who are interested in joining the Army. In particular it is aimed at young men who wish to join The Yorkshire Regiment, which recruits exclusively throughout Yorkshire and the North East.

Why do we run these courses?

The process of turning a civilian into a soldier is a long, demanding, hard and expensive. It is essential that before an individual commits themselves to joining the Army they get a comprehensive insight into what it is all about. This Course offers potential applicants the chance to experience what life as a soldier is like.

What will they do on the course?

The emphasis on the course is to impart as much information as we can about life in the Army. The course runs for 5 days at Queen Elizabeth II Barracks in Strensall (near York) by our own dedicated Yorkshire Regiment recruiting team, all of whom are serving regular soldiers currently detached from one of the 3 Battalions of The Yorkshire Regiment.

What risks will they be taking?

We take our duty of care very seriously. All participants are supervised at all times. Chaperones are appointed and they are never left alone. All staff on our courses have a great deal of knowledge and experience and the welfare of participants is our top priority.

Will my son or daughter come into contact with weapons and ammunition?

Potential applicants will be shown weaponry and military equipment. They will be allowed to handle it - however, under no circumstances will they fire full bore ammunition or handle explosives. They may fire on the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (DCCT) which is a laser range. This is a safe, risk assessed activity which is supervised by fully qualified staff.

What happens if my son or daughter wants to come home?

In the unlikely event that a participant wants to return home before finishing the course we will liaise with his or her parents direct. Under no circumstances will a participant be allowed to return home unsupervised. We acknowledge our duty of care both to you as parents/guardians and to your son or daughter as a potential soldier.

What special equipment will my son or daughter need?

We will issue items such as safety equipment, special clothing etc. There are no major purchases for you to make. The course is completely free of charge - your son or daughter will receive free food and transport throughout the day.

Will my son or daughter feel pressurised to enlist?

At the end of the course your son or daughter will have had an insight of what life is like in the Army. They will not be asked to enlist during the course, even if they express a desire to do so.

After a few weeks, if they still want more information about the Army or the Yorkshire Regiment they will be able to visit an Army Careers Information Office. They must ensure that the Careers Office is aware that they have attended The Yorkshire Regiment's Army Insight course and, if they are offered an infantry position (males only) that they wish to join the Regiment of their choice.

How can I get on the course?

This course is for those studying Public Services or Uniformed Service courses at college. Places can be booked by course tutors.