New Colonel Bear becomes the top dog at Army Foundation College Harrogate

A new challenge awaits Bear Grylls as he joins forces with the British Army, taking on the role of Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate.

Having scaled Mount Everest and hosted multiple adventure TV shows across every continent on earth, Col Grylls, a former Army Reservist, is no stranger to adventure and will serve as a figurehead for AFC Harrogate.

The number one bestselling author said he was "proud" to have been appointed Honorary Colonel and praised the AFC for building the character, competence, and resilience of young people, to help them succeed in life and within the military.

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'Watch this space'

Col Grylls added: "No matter where you come from, if you're willing to do your best and live by the Army's values and standards then the college offers adventure, challenge, qualifications, friends for life, and confidence that will last a lifetime.

"Watch this space for many adventures ahead and respect to all of you."

AFC Harrogate delivers basic training to soldiers joining the Army under the age of 18 and is the only Junior Entry Basic Training establishment in the British Army.

"Through a mix of military training, personal development and education it provides young people with the skills to succeed as soldiers and in their lives beyond the military," says the Army.

'Inspirational character'

Col Grylls' first official duty will be as Senior Inspecting Officer at the graduation in August, which will see around 600 Junior Soldiers march off the parade square to start their next phase of training.

AFC Harrogate's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Butler, said everyone at the unit was "thrilled" by the appointment of Colonel Bear, as he will be known informally.

"An inspirational character for Junior Soldiers, Col Bear shares our passion for helping young people grow and develop, especially in confidence and resilience," Lt Col Butler said.

"His message of 'Courage, Kindness and Never Give Up' is a perfect match for the British Army values and standards we strive to live by," Lr Col Butler added. 

"We can't wait to work with Col Bear as he shares in the exciting and rewarding journey of the Army's youngest recruits.".

Honorary colonels do not need to have a background in the military. Their role is to foster esprit de corps and support their unit's leadership teams without involvement in the daily running of the unit.