Army Foundation College Harrogate
The Army Foundation College is the only Junior Entry Phase 1 training establishment in the British Army. The College plays a vital role in providing the basic military training and developing future leadership. It offers a mix of military training, personal development, and education for under 19s that provides them skills to succeed in the Armed Forces, and their lives beyond the military.
A look inside AFC Harrogate
Training
A high percentage of Non Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers in the British Army have conducted Junior Entry training. The College aims to create a well-rounded Junior Soldier - physically, conceptually and morally. The delivery of training is conducted in accordance with a carefully synchronised College programme and is aimed to be progressive and provide variety. There is a balance between classroom, camp and field training. Two courses are delivered at the College; Junior Entry (Long) and Junior Entry (Short).
The College receives 2 intakes a year in September and March. The graduation of the Junior Soldiers is marked by two very large parades each year in February and August which attract large members of family and VIPs.
What you'll learn
Those coming to AFC Harrogate will be taught and trained on a variety of military aspects.
- Fieldcraft
- Skill at Arms
- Fitness training
- Qualities of a soldier
- Military knowledge
- Battlefield casualty drills
- Individual health
- Education
49-week course
A 49-week course (including eight weeks holiday) for those joining the infantry, Royal Armoured Corps/Household Cavalry, Royal Artillery and some Royal Logistic Corps roles.
23-week course
A 23-week course (including three weeks holiday) for those joining courses with longer Phase 2 training – these are Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Engineers, Royal Signals, Adjutant General’s Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, Army Air Corps and some Royal Logistic Corps roles.
Information
New Recruits
We take our duty of care for all personnel extremely seriously and ensure under-18s are not deployed on operations that would expose them to hostilities.
Under 18s are not subject to a notice period when they sign up to the Army, meaning they can leave when they choose.
Recruitment of under-18s into the Armed Forces meets all legal and policy requirements, both national and international. We meet our full obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Optional Protocol of the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict.
Accommodation
Army barrack accommodation is not like living at home, and Junior Soldiers must learn new standards and rules of behaviour. But it’s comfortable and friendly.
Recruits share accommodation with the other members of their section, but there is still a reasonable amount of privacy for the individual.
All facilities are well equipped, and female students have their own separate accommodation.
Companies
Those training recruits for the Short course are:
- Cambrai
Recruits joining on the Long course are placed in either:
- Alamein
- Burma
- Peninsula
- Waterloo
How to find us
By car
AFC Harrogate is located just off the A59, approximately three miles to the west of Harrogate town centre. The postcode for the college is HG3 2SE.
By train
The nearest railway station is Harrogate, about 3½ miles from the college.
By air
The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport, about 15 miles from the college.
Contact us
Army Foundation College Harrogate
Uniacke Barracks
Penny Pot Lane
Killinghall
Harrogate
HG3 2SE
Junior Soldiers receive their post on a daily basis. If you are sending something to a Junior Soldier, make sure you include their number, full name and platoon above the address.
