Just get fit and get on with it : Army recruits share no-nonsense tips for basic training

Junior Soldiers at Army Foundation College Harrogate have offered some words of wisdom to anyone thinking of joining the Army, with friendship and fitness being high on the list.

Several recruits spoke to BFBS Forces News about their experiences at the college, which offers a mix of military training, personal development and education for young people aged 16 and 17.

The Junior Soldiers were open about their time during their Phase 1 training, pointing out how, just like in civilian life, there would be good days and bad days.

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One key piece of advice was simply to stick with it – with the first six weeks tending to be the hardest, as going from home and school straight to AFC Harrogate can be a shock to the system for some people.

Another told prospective recruits not to sit on their application form – and to get it in as soon as possible.

Those coming to AFC Harrogate are taught a variety of military subjects, including Fieldcraft, Skill at Arms and Military Knowledge.

There are two intakes a year, with a 49-week course for those expecting to join the infantry – the Royal Armoured Corps, the Household Cavalry, Royal Artillery and some Royal Logistic Corps roles.

There's also a 23-week course for those joining units with longer Phase 2 training.

These include the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Engineers, Royal Signals, the Adjutant General's Corps, the Royal Army Medical Service, the Army Air Corps and some other roles within the RLC.