Junior soldiers urged to stay safe as snow and travel disruptions affect return to training

As Christmas and New Year leave concludes for many Armed Forces personnel, more than 2,000 junior soldiers are expected to return to Army Foundation College Harrogate to continue their basic training.

However, the journey back may prove difficult for many, as heavy snow and severe weather conditions have caused significant travel disruptions across the UK.

With key roads closed, rail services cancelled and airports experiencing delays, the college is prioritising safety for its young recruits.

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"If junior soldiers can't get back safely, they should wait until it is safe to do so," a spokesperson from the Army Foundation College told BFBS Forces News.

The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings, including amber alerts for snow and freezing rain, with some areas experiencing up to 30cm of snow.

National Highways has warned that up to 25cm of snow could affect roads in northern England, and several major routes, such as the A628 Woodhead Pass and A66, have been closed.

Several airports, including Manchester and Liverpool, have also faced temporary closures due to the weather.

In light of these conditions, the college is reminding junior soldiers to follow the safety-first message.

Many of the recruits are too young to drive and, as a result, the college is also communicating directly with parents to ensure they are informed of the importance of safe travel.

While the priority is to ensure recruits return to training as soon as conditions permit, the college's commitment to their well-being means that soldiers are encouraged to delay their travel if conditions are unsafe.