The Army Foundation College in Harrogate saw over 500 teenagers march on their way to a new career when they graduated from the Army’s flagship training establishment for 16-17-year olds.
The college runs two types of course – a 42-week long course and a shorter 22-week course - to train junior soldiers destined for a wide variety of Army careers.
The Junior soldiers on the longer 42-week course marched off the square to the second phase of their training in the Infantry, Royal Artillery, Royal Armoured Corps and Royal Logistic Corps.
A company of Junior Soldiers on the shorter 22-week course, designed for other cap badges, will head for the longer more specialist phase of their training which could be anything from being a vehicle mechanic with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer to becoming a communications systems operator with the Royal Signals.
The courses both provide a unique combination of military basic training and vocational training to the Junior Soldiers. The graduation parade at Uniacke Barracks will be the finale and thousands of relatives and friends are expected to watch the Junior Soldiers graduate.
Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer KCB, DSO, MBE inspected the Junior Soldiers, presented prizes and took the salute as the military parade marched past the dais.
Junior Soldiers work on their leadership and team skills as part of the College’s personal and team development package. They undertake a number of adventurous training activities, as well as physical and mental challenges, culminating in a 30-hour challenge patrol across the Yorkshire Dales. The students are also given the opportunity to sample a wide variety of sports promoting fitness and agility.