The course at Army Foundation College Harrogate lasts for 50 weeks. It places a lot of demands on those who are training, but it is progressive and achievable.

Junior Soldiers spend a total of 25 weeks on Military Training, 5 on Leadership and Initiative Training and 12 on Vocational Education.

All the staff at the College, both military and civilian, help Junior Soldiers to complete the course, and as part of their instructional duties they're also role models and leaders.

Junior Soldiers need commitment, determination and bags of enthusiasm - and a sense of humour helps.

 

Military Training

This is made up of:

• Skill at Arms - how to use the Army's infantry weapon, the SA80 rifle
• Field Craft - learning how to live, eat and survive in the field
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) - learning how to survive in a contaminated environment, wearing protective equipment and a respirator
• First Aid - learning how to treat casualties in a battlefield situation with universal first aid skills that can save lives anywhere
• Physical Fitness - a structured programme to improve physical fitness with sessions in the gym as well as swimming, sports and other outdoor activities. Junior Soldiers have to pass a series of tests to prove they are good enough to be in the Army. Being an Olympic athlete isn't necessary - the training is both gradual and fun!  

 

Leadership And Initiative Training

This is made up of five one week packages designed to provide Junior Soldiers with the leadership and initiative skills required of all soldiers in the Army. This is an enjoyable aspect of training, as it's active, fun and outdoor based. It helps Junior Soldiers to develop confidence in themselves and their ability. It shows them how to work as part of a team and, ultimately, how to lead a team - as the Army is all about team work.

Activities that make up the Leadership and Initiative Training package include rock climbing, caving, canoeing, hill walking, orienteering and command tasks.  

 

The Course Structure

Courses start in September and January. Each course has three terms, and each term is split into two halves with one week's leave at half term.

At the end of each term there is usually an additional two weeks' leave.

 

Pay

Following deductions for food, accommodation and other sundries a typical Junior Soldier receives approximately £780 per month after tax.

 

What if it's not for me?

Upon arrival at the Army Foundation College, Junior Soldiers take the attestation (a formal ceremony that represents joining the Army.)

The usual initial period that each signs up for is 4 years, but there is a period of 6 months when they can withdraw their notice to serve and leave outright. This is known as "Discharge As Of Right." They may also choose to leave during their training, or if parental consent is removed.