The latest group of front-line soldiers marched off the parade square at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick to mark the end of their time as trainee Guardsmen.
Nearly 30 soldiers from 17 Platoon passed out as the British Army Band Catterick played in unison to the inspection.
Proud family and friends gathered to witness their loved ones parade after months of hard work and dedication.
After a tough but exciting 28 weeks of training, the newly qualified Guardsmen will go on to take up posts in either London or Windsor, where they will have the honour and privilege of taking part in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Parade in June.
Developing as a team together and seeing the progress we’ve made from the start to the pass out parade Callum Simpson
On the parade square was Callum Simpson, who won two awards on the day for ‘Best Recruit’ and ‘The Soldier’s Soldier Award’ voted for by his Platoon staff and peers, for showing leadership and dedication to his career and team.
Callum enjoyed the camaraderie saying his most memorable moments in training were “developing as a team together and seeing the progress we’ve made from the start to the pass out parade.”
The friendships Callum built also helped him overcome the challenges he faced along the way.
The 26-year-old, from Prudhoe, Newcastle said: “Encountering new people you’ve never lived with before was a challenge, as well as the training, but we all overcame that during the course by taking the time to build friendships and hard-work together.”
Callum is looking forward to the King’s Birthday Parade in June. He said: “It’s a very rare opportunity for us to be seen by not only the Army, but the rest of the world, so being a part of it will be great.”
I remember in primary school teachers would always ask what we wanted to do in life, and the Army was always my answer from five or six years old, it’s all I can remember wanting to do Mason Hanley
Also among the cohort was prize winner for ‘Best Drill and Turnout’ Mason Hanley. Mason always wanted to join the Army from an early age, and he’s now achieved his goal.
“I remember in primary school teachers would always ask what we wanted to do in life, and the Army was always my answer from five or six years old, it’s all I can remember wanting to do,” he said.
Mason, aged 19, from Sydenham, London, has high hopes for the future. He said: “I’m looking forward to getting to work and hopefully accelerating through the ranks as much as possible.”
Mason encourages anyone considering joining the Army to “one hundred percent do it, it’s the best thing you’ll ever do in your life, it’s the best thing I've ever done.” he said.
You have developed into a world-class infantry soldier that is ready to deploy in any role around the world, an unstable world… but ready we must be. You are joining the British Army in a busy, exciting, and rewarding time. March off from here and do great things Lieutenant Colonel James Coleby
To end the parade, inspecting officer Lieutenant Colonel James Coleby, who passed out from the same parade square nearly 21 years ago, delivered a speech.
He told the Guardsmen: “You have developed into a world-class infantry soldier that is ready to deploy in any role around the world, an unstable world… but ready we must be. You are joining the British Army in a busy, exciting, and rewarding time. March off from here and do great things.”
To find out more about training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick click here.