1 Army Training Regiment Pirbright held a Passing Out Parade on Friday 29 October for the latest group of newly trained soldiers who have completed their Basic Training. The parade marks the final phase of their training and was a perfect opportunity for their families and friends see the progress they have made, albeit still in a Covid-secure environment.
Two Platoons of recruits from Jackson Company have completed fourteen weeks of intensive training known as the Common Military Syllabus which includes activities such as living in the field under exercise conditions, weapons handling, physical fitness development, military knowledge, first aid and map reading.
It’s a huge privilege to speak to you all today and, as a former soldier in the Scots Guards, I can appreciate that these last fourteen weeks have not been easy. Minister for Defence People and Veterans the Right Honourable Leo Docherty MP
Supported by music from the Band of the Scots Guards, and undeterred by the weather, the parade was the perfect opportunity to showcase the discipline and precision they have learned after many hours drill practice, under the watchful eye of Minister for Defence People and Veterans the Right Honourable Leo Docherty MP, himself a former officer in the Scots Guards and proud veteran.
Mr Docherty said, “It’s a huge privilege to speak to you all today and, as a former soldier in the Scots Guards, I can appreciate that these last fourteen weeks have not been easy. I'm sure that there were times when you were crawling through thick mud or marching around in the freezing rain that you questioned whether or not it was all worth it, but it is worth it and here you are.
You persevered and now you know that it’s not just a uniform that makes a soldier but it’s also the resilience borne of the toughest moments of training. As you leave Pirbright, embarking on your new careers, remember the fundamental lessons and core values you have learned here; courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment. I am honoured to see you on parade today and many congratulations to you all.”
Following on from the basic training which develops each soldier’s individual & team skills, they will go on to Initial Trade Training and learn the specialised skills needed for their future postings.