Junior Soldier (JS) Harrison Woods has overcome personal tragedy, life-changing challenges and the demands of Army training to graduate from the Army Foundation College Harrogate and begin his career with the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (PWRR).
Portrait of Junior Soldier Harrison Woods.
The 17-year-old will now join the PWRR, following a journey that began with a childhood fascination for the military and was strengthened by his determination to succeed through difficult circumstances.
Early Army interest
Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Harrison spent his early years overseas while his father worked for BAE Systems before the family returned to the UK. They later settled in Crawley, where his interest in the Army first took root.
"When I was younger, I used to visit the Dunfield Aerodrome Shows, they put on displays of military equipment and vehicles," said Harrison.
"That was where my interest in the Army started and why I'm here today."
As a teenager, Harrison's enthusiasm for military life continued to grow through Airsoft and regular attendance at his local Army Cadet Force detachment, where field exercises quickly became a favourite activity.
Overcoming adversity
However, his path to graduation was not without challenges.
In 2019, Harrison's mother died from pancreatic cancer. A year later, the COVID-19 pandemic brought further uncertainty and disruption for the family during an already difficult time.
Despite the adversity, Harrison remained focused on his future and his ambition to join the Army.
Reflecting on his journey, he said: "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."
Throughout his time at the Army Foundation College, Harrison experienced the highs and lows familiar to many Junior Soldiers adapting to military life.
"Training has had its ups and downs, but overall, it's been great"
"My favourite part was the adventurous training and then visiting Normandy. The hardest part was definitely the adjustment from life back home to working and being in the Army, constantly doing something."
Next steps
Now aligned to the PWRR, nicknamed “The Tigers”, Harrison is following in the footsteps of his local Army Cadet Force unit, which was affiliated with the Regiment and helped inspire his decision to join.
He is particularly looking forward to taking advantage of the opportunities available in the Army, including adventurous training and developing new skills.
"Once I join my Regiment, I'm looking forward to understanding what my day job will look like for the next few years," he said. "I'd also like to get involved in adventurous training and gain qualifications in rock climbing."
On graduation day, Harrison was supported by his father and sister, Grace, who witnessed him complete a significant milestone in his Army career.
Having embraced every challenge put before him, Harrison now begins the next chapter of his Army journey with the Tigers, ready to build on the foundations laid during his time at Harrogate.