Common Military Syllabus Future Soldier and Combat Infantry Course
The Common Military Syllabus Future Soldier (CMS FS) is the Basic Training for all Infanteers and Royal Armoured Corps Troops. The course aims to build character, mental and physical resilience, basic military skills as well as instilling the Army’s core values and standards.
Initial Trade Training - ITC Catterick runs four versions of the Combat Infantry Course: Line Infantry, Foot Guards, PARAs, Gurkha.
The Combat Infantry Course builds up skills and fitness at a gradual pace. This involves learning individual skills first, followed by Section and then Platoon skills, ending with an assessment in all subjects of which you have to be able to pass.
During training, recruits are taught the importance of discipline, integrity, loyalty and respect for others. They learn that being a soldier is about putting others first and having the courage to know the right thing to do in any given situation.
The Foot Guards and PARAs course takes 2 weeks longer than the Line Infantry version.
Gurkha training
Gurkha Company at ITC Catterick is part of the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion. Its mission is to mould Nepalese youths into trained soldiers who will live up to the traditions of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
The Combat Infantry Course addresses a range of areas; Brigade ethos, language training, cultural training, career management and trade selection, as well as the same 26-week Combat Infantry Course that the Line Infantry receive.
Gurkha training lasts for 37 weeks.
What you'll cover
- Personal administration
- Weapons training
- Drill
- Fieldcraft
- Fitness
- Teamwork
The Passing Out Parade at the end of the course is often one of the proudest moments in a soldier's life. But even then, the challenge will be only just be beginning.
Accommodation at ITC Catterick is a principally in older buildings, although new accommodation is dotted about the site.
In barracks, recruits share accommodation with other members of the section/platoon, but there is still a reasonable amount of privacy for the individual. In older accommodation, 4, 8 or 12 recruits sleep in each room; all rooms in the newer accommodation sleep 12.
In older accommodation, recruits are allocated a double wardrobe as well as a footlocker/top box as storage space. In the newer accommodation, storage space is built around the bed area; additionally, each recruit is allocated a 6ft x 2ft (about 1.62m x 0.61m) metal cage in the drying or baggage room.
Shared shower, bath and sink facilities are provided in both types of accommodation.
Headquarters Battalion Infantry Training Centre
The HQ Battalion is responsible for providing support to the two infantry training battalions based at Catterick Garrison.
1st Infantry Training Battalion
The 1st Infantry Training Battalion at ITC Catterick delivers the Combat Infantry Course to all Line Infanteers and Royal Armoured Corps recruits. The Battalion comprises of four companies.
2nd Infantry Training Battalion
The Battalion is unique in its standing within the Infantry Training Centre. In addition to delivering the Combat Infantry Course, we also cater for the specialised Infantry element.
Best Recruit
The Best Recruit award is judged by the platoon's training team. It goes to the trainee who has put in the best overall performance during the course.
Soldiers' Soldier
The Soldiers' Soldier award goes to the trainee who receives the most votes in a secret ballot of all the recruits in the platoon.
The Marsh Trophy
The Marsh Trophy is awarded by the Parachute Regiment Training Company to the recruit who has shown the most endeavour while on the Combat Infantry Course - PARA.
By car
The postcode for sat nav users (which should not be solely relied upon) is DL9 3PS. ITC Catterick is about four miles off the A1 (junction 49). Recruits may not bring a private car with them but they can be dropped off.
By air
The nearest airport is Durham Tees Valley airport - about 20 miles north of ITC Catterick.
By train
The nearest railway station is Darlington. A bus service (27/X27) leaves from directly outside the station to ITC Catterick.
By post
Infantry Training Centre
Scotton Road
Catterick Garrison
North Yorkshire DL9 3PS
If you are sending something to a recruit, make sure you include their number, full name, Company and Regiment above the address.