Junior Soldiers Pass Out At Harrogate After Partly Virtual Training

Hundreds of junior soldiers have graduated from Harrogate's Army Foundation College, after spending a quarter of their year-long course training online during lockdown.

The college is the British Army's only Junior Entry Phase 1 training site, offering both 23-week and 49-week courses. 

As has become custom during the coronavirus crisis, no family or friends could be present at the passing out parade.

Instead of hosting 3,000 family and friends, the square was the location of a livestream which meant hundreds of thousands could view the ceremony online around the world.

It took a film crew, three cameras, sound engineer and a truck to live stream it on Facebook.

Brigadier Mike Butterwick, Commander of the British Army Initial Training Group, is in charge of all basic training in the service.

It was his task to address the junior soldiers at the unprecedented ceremony.

"Usually, a graduation parade at Harrogate is a very special affair," he told the parade square.

"Behind me, stands would be erected and they would be full of family, friends and many others here to cheer you on.

"Today is not just a brilliant day, it is an outstanding day and an extraordinary day.

"Not only have you completed this training, not only are you standing here now as trained soldiers, ready to take your places in the regiments and corps in the British Army.

"But you’ve done it in truly unique circumstances."

Brig Butterwick told Forces News: "To stand in front of them is a very proud moment.

"The recruits coming to join us now are just as good as they’ve always been, the training is just as demanding as it’s always been, and I think the future of the British Army is in very good hands."

During lockdown the whole college, which opened its doors back in 1988, went virtual.

It is only in recent weeks they have staged a gradual return, with a quarter of the soldiers' training having been online.

The British Army began resuming basic training at a reduced capacity in May, following a pause over the coronavirus pandemic.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Farebrother, Commanding Officer of the Army Foundation College, said: "They’re actually quite used to it.

"They’re digital natives, Generation Z. They get it. They’re used to working on five screens at a time.

"They’ve got quite a short attention span, but once you grab that and you adapt to their ways of working, they’re brilliant at doing it and actually there’s some really positive feedback that we can take forward to future courses: there’s more that we can do online."

A junior soldier called Alfie said it felt "amazing" to be stood on the square.

"The feeling of standing there and you think about everything you’ve come through since day one, you think 'I’ve come from being a civilian to being a potential soldier'."

Another junior soldier, Jack, echoed the excitement: "I’ve been waiting for this moment all year basically.

"I can’t believe it – I’m actually leaving here go to conduct Phase Two. I can’t believe it."

There was at least one familiar sight on the parade square – the band – providing atmosphere for the young troops, as well as entertainment to the crew and everyone online.

Nonetheless, the lack of family present was noticeable.

"I was quite disappointed because [I'm] Junior Company Sergeant Major, so I march the parade off," said Junior Soldier Fletcher, Junior Company Sergeant Major. 

"I would have liked my parents to be there to see that, but they’re back home, watching it on Facebook.

"[It is] disappointing, but [I] got over it, in the end."

The college expects to be back at 100% capacity in October accepting a full intake.

Passing out parades, however, may remain without crowds watching in-person for some time.

In March, the college welcomed its largest ever intake of recruits.