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  • News
  • 10 Aug 2026
  • North
  • Careers
  • Ceremonial
  • Future Soldier
  • People

Hundreds of Junior Soldiers march towards their Army futures at Harrogate graduation

A large group of uniformed individuals are marching in formation on a paved surface. Spectators are gathered to watch the procession. A building in the background features a prominent emblem and is topped with a corrugated metal roof.

Nine hundred Junior Soldiers celebrated a major milestone in their Army careers as they passed out from the Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate recently (6 August), marking the completion of their initial training before moving on to regiments and corps across the British Army. 

A group of people in military uniforms is marching in formation down a tree-lined street. One person at the front is holding a ceremonial flag, and several others are holding rifles. The scene is outdoors, under a cloudy sky.
A group of uniformed individuals march in formation on a paved area, holding rifles. A large crowd is seated in the background, with numerous flags visible.
A group of uniformed individuals marches in formation during a parade. They are surrounded by other uniformed individuals playing instruments, dressed in red uniforms. Flags, including the Union Jack, are displayed in the background. Spectators are seated on raised stands observing the event.
A group of uniformed soldiers stand in formation during a parade. One soldier wearing a red beret and decorated with medals interacts with others. The setting appears formal and ceremonial, with a blurred audience in the background.
A Senior Army Officer in a dark blue uniform talks with a soldier wearing a khaki uniform. In the background seated in raised stands, are the families of the soldiers
A group of uniformed military personnel stand in formation during a ceremony. Some are holding a flag. Several members have medals on their uniforms. In the foreground, blurred trophies are visible. A modern building is in the background.
A group of people in military uniforms is marching in formation down a tree-lined street. One person at the front is holding a ceremonial flag, and several others are holding rifles. The scene is outdoors, under a cloudy sky.

Soldiers from 82 and 83 Intake march onto the parade square for their passing off parade at Harrogate’s Army Foundation College.

A group of uniformed individuals march in formation on a paved area, holding rifles. A large crowd is seated in the background, with numerous flags visible.

Soldiers from 82 and 83 Intake march onto the parade square for their passing off parade at Harrogate’s Army Foundation College.

A group of uniformed individuals marches in formation during a parade. They are surrounded by other uniformed individuals playing instruments, dressed in red uniforms. Flags, including the Union Jack, are displayed in the background. Spectators are seated on raised stands observing the event.

Soldiers from 82 and 83 Intake march onto the parade square for their passing off parade at Harrogate’s Army Foundation College.

A group of uniformed soldiers stand in formation during a parade. One soldier wearing a red beret and decorated with medals interacts with others. The setting appears formal and ceremonial, with a blurred audience in the background.

Major Kidane Cousland takes an opportunity to talk with some of the Army's latest recruits soldier from before they pass off parade.

A Senior Army Officer in a dark blue uniform talks with a soldier wearing a khaki uniform. In the background seated in raised stands, are the families of the soldiers

Major General Owen Bunkle talks to a soldier from 82 and 83 Intake as the Senior Inspecting Officer for the parade.

A group of uniformed military personnel stand in formation during a ceremony. Some are holding a flag. Several members have medals on their uniforms. In the foreground, blurred trophies are visible. A modern building is in the background.

Intake 82 and 83 stand at ease on parde ahead of the prize giving during the passing off parade.

A group of people in military uniforms is marching in formation down a tree-lined street. One person at the front is holding a ceremonial flag, and several others are holding rifles. The scene is outdoors, under a cloudy sky.
A group of uniformed individuals march in formation on a paved area, holding rifles. A large crowd is seated in the background, with numerous flags visible.
A group of uniformed individuals marches in formation during a parade. They are surrounded by other uniformed individuals playing instruments, dressed in red uniforms. Flags, including the Union Jack, are displayed in the background. Spectators are seated on raised stands observing the event.
A group of uniformed soldiers stand in formation during a parade. One soldier wearing a red beret and decorated with medals interacts with others. The setting appears formal and ceremonial, with a blurred audience in the background.
A Senior Army Officer in a dark blue uniform talks with a soldier wearing a khaki uniform. In the background seated in raised stands, are the families of the soldiers
A group of uniformed military personnel stand in formation during a ceremony. Some are holding a flag. Several members have medals on their uniforms. In the foreground, blurred trophies are visible. A modern building is in the background.

The parade brought together families, friends and staff to recognise the achievements of young soldiers who have spent months developing their military skills, education and confidence. 

For many, the occasion represented far more than the end of their training. It was the culmination of personal journeys shaped by determination, resilience and ambition.

What AFC can offer

Among those celebrating was Junior Soldier Hayden Marley from Middlesbrough, who overcame challenges during his school years before finding support and opportunity at AFC Harrogate. 

Hayden said the college helped him develop both academically and personally, adding: “I didn't really receive much support at school, but since coming to AFC, I've had a lot of guidance.” 

As he prepared to join the Royal Armoured Corps, Hayden encouraged others to consider the opportunities available through Army service. He said: “A lot of people think it's just about combat roles, but if you properly research you can go into so many careers that will help set you up for a life outside of the military.” 

For Junior Soldier Harrison Woods, graduation marked the successful completion of a journey that included overcoming personal tragedy after his Mum passed away and adapting to the demands of military life. 

Harrison, who is now joining the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, reflected on the significance of the day, saying: “It's been really hard, but I know my dad is so proud of where I am today and graduating the college. I'm also really proud of myself.” 

He added that some of his highlights at Harrogate included adventurous training and the College’s visit to Normandy, which gives Junior Soldiers an opportunity to learn about the sacrifices of previous generations. 

Previous students return to parade

Family pride was also on display for Junior Soldier Olly Shipton, who graduated before beginning his career in the Royal Artillery. 

Supported by his older brother, Louis, a serving Royal Artillery soldier and former AFC Harrogate student, Olly described the occasion as a special moment for the whole family. “I'm really happy and ready for what’s next. I've got my parents and my big brother on the day. They are super proud and happy to be there for me,” he said. 

Inspecting Officer Major Danny Cousland represented the enduring impact AFC Harrogate can have on young people. Now commanding 21 (Gibraltar 1779-83) Air Assault Battery, he once stood on the same parade square as a Junior Soldier more than 18 years ago. 

Looking across the ranks of graduates, he reflected on the pride and optimism displayed throughout the parade. He said: “It’s touching to see the families, bursting with pride and young people with their chests out, chins up and full of confidence.” 

Drawing on his own experience, he encouraged the new soldiers to seize every opportunity ahead of them, adding: “Work hard, be honest, help those around you and have fun.” 

As the parade concluded, 900 Junior Soldiers stepped off the square towards the next stage of their Army careers. Whether joining the Royal Artillery, Royal Armoured Corps, infantry regiments or specialist trades across Defence, they left Harrogate with the skills, confidence and foundations needed for lasting service in the British Army.