Fusiliers Military Academy Opens Its Doors

The Fusiliers Military Academy, the first of its kind in the country, has opened in North East England.

The new academy was set up and is run entirely by reservists.

Created in collaboration with Newcastle College, the Fifth Fusiliers seized the opportunity to use the reserve's preexisting centre building and equipment.  

The academy will train young people who have an interested in the military or plan to join one of the three services.

The courses will last between one to two years and the curriculum focuses on drill, camouflage, adventure training and first aid.

Students will attend one day a week, the other days they will participate in normal studies at Newcastle college. 

The aim is to set the students up with a solid foundation for a future career within the forces. 

Rachel, one of the first Fusiliers Academy students describes how the academy is going for her:

"So far its amazing, I've had horrible experiences with education in the past, but for once I feel like I'm in a good place...I'm definitely going to be a ceremonial gunner in King's Troop, it's what I've always wanted to do."