Army Foundation College at 100% capacity as newest recruits arrive for basic training

The Army Foundation College is at full capacity this autumn thanks to a significant intake of recruits to the British Army.

The establishment provides phase one training to the Army's youngest soldiers, 16 and 17-year-olds who are embarking on a career in the military.

As a new term at the college gets underway, it is welcoming 945 youngsters who will benefit from the co-military and further educational syllabus the establishment provides to recruits.

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Courses at the college run for either six or 12 months depending on the corps or regiment a recruit is hoping to join. 

For most of the new intake of soldiers, the Army Foundation College will be home until next August when they can expect to take part in a passing out parade in front of proud families and friends. It's a ceremony known as "graduation".

In July, the college announced Bear Grylls, a former member of the SAS, as its new Honorary Colonel, a role previously held by Captain Tom Moore.

Speaking exclusively to BFBS Forces News at August's graduation parade, Colonel Bear said the recruits at the Army Foundation College were embarking on the "ultimate adventure" before praising the junior soldiers' achievements in completing their training.

"That is an iconic moment in their lives and the pride in these young soldiers' eyes is remarkable," he said, wearing the uniform of a colonel.

The college, an Army training regiment situated in Harrogate, has been an initial training establishment since 1947 when it was originally used as the Royal Signals Apprenticeship School. 

For the past 25 years it has been known as the Army Foundation College and has been responsible for training thousands of recruits, many of whom have gone on to enjoy long careers in the military. 

The first six weeks of training at the college is deemed the most challenging as the Junior Soldiers adapt to Army life. It’s also likely to be the longest time the recruits have spent away from home in their lives.

But at the end of that initial period, those who stick it out are rewarded with what's known as a Passing In Parade, to which parents and friends are also invited. 

Other highlights to look forward to include a battlefield tour of D-Day sites in Normandy, adventurous training trips around the UK and the awarding of their chosen regiment's berets, which comes later in the course.

Thanks to the recently announced pay rise awarded to all members of the Armed Forces, recruits joining the Army Foundation College this autumn will be paid at least £1,800 per month after tax.

The induction phase for the recruits includes the swearing of the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty The King, the issuing of kit and equipment including their new Army uniforms, and the dreaded initial haircut, which will see some of the junior soldiers parting with their long hair.

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Butler, Commanding Officer of the Army Foundation College, said: "There is a distinctly positive feeling in the air at the College at the moment.

"We are delighted to be at 100% capacity and are already impressed by the quality and positivity of the junior soldiers we have seen coming through the gates.

"Joining the Army is a big step which takes courage, but the college staff, supported by parents and guardians, are in the best possible shape to help our latest batch of volunteer junior soldiers make the transition from civilian to soldier, embracing all the challenges and opportunities that come with it.

"Our newest junior soldiers are set for an exciting time. In addition to their core military training they will take part in adventurous training, spend a week on a battlefield study in Normandy, build their confidence and make friends for life."