Britain's youngest trained soldier says 16 is not too young to join the Army

The youngest trained soldier in the British Army has refuted claims that 16 is too young to join the military.

Speaking within minutes of passing out of basic training, Sapper Byron Davis said he "completely disagreed" with those who have criticised the Army's policy of recruiting under-18s.

The teenager completed his phase one training at the Army Foundation College and now progresses to specific trade training in the Royal Engineers.

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At 16 years, 10 months and 26 days, Spr Davis is now officially the youngest trained soldier in the British Army.

Bursting with pride, he told Forces News that, although he had found certain parts difficult, most of his initial training was "pretty easy".

The soldier said: "I feel like I've worked hard, and I'm going keep going at the same pace, if not faster, keeping my foot on the pedal.

"I applied myself, dug in, and made it pretty easy for myself."

Asked what he would say to those who think 16 is too young to join the Army, Spr Davis said: "I completely disagree. I honestly do. 

"I feel like the Army is just a brilliant place – the environment, the people. I've recommended it to all my mates, but none of them wants to join up. 

"I'd recommend it to anyone. I think everybody should join the Army." 

Byron was one of 380 junior soldiers graduating from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. 

The British Army allows applications to join the service from the age of 15 years and seven months, but anyone under 18 must gain parental consent to join.

Soldiers under the age of 18 are not permitted to serve on operations.

Inspecting the newly trained troops, guest of honour Major General Tom Bewick told the young men and women they could take enormous pride in what was likely the proudest day of their lives.

In his remarks, the major general also outlined some of the changes the British Army was going through under the Future Soldier programme and warned of the existing global threats, thanks to Russia.