'Mum's better at ironing': Mother–daughter duo join Army together and pass out of training

A mother-daughter duo who joined the Army together have completed their respective Phase One training courses – passing out within days of each other.

The De Stadlers reunited after daughter Chloe graduated from the Army Foundation College, making both officially trained soldiers.

It's thought to be the first occasion in recent history that two generations of the same family have completed Phase One training in the British Army at the same time.

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Sherene, 39, joined the Army Reserve shortly after Chloe, 17, signed up to the regular Army, opting for training at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

While mum has cap-badged into the Grenadier Guards, Chloe will spend her career in the Army Air Corps, with hopes of becoming a helicopter pilot.

Asked if she'd noticed any differences in her mother since she signed up as a reservist, Chloe joked: "Yeah… she can iron!"

The moment the pair reunited after a long separation was captured on camera – and, of course, it involved a very big hug.

Speaking minutes later, Sherene said she was extremely proud of her daughter.

"No words can describe how proud I am. I kind of held it together this past week; I know what she's been through and what it feels like standing on the [parade] square for so long.

"When she came off and ran into my arms, it was the proudest moment ever."

Chloe, one of 720 soldiers passing out of the Army Foundation College in the largest parade of its kind in a generation, offered her mother advice – particularly during a battle camp Sherene said she struggled with.

"It's actually really nice because I can call her in the afternoons and explain what I've done during the day – and she actually understands. Whereas if I call a friend, they have no clue," Chloe said.

Asked what might happen if they are both deployed on operations at the same time, Sherene said it was a possibility they were prepared for.

"It's always at the forefront of your mind, but that's what you know going into the Army," Sherene said.

When asked how mum might respond to being bossed around by her daughter should Chloe be promoted to lance corporal first, Sherene said she'd welcome it.

"100% respect for that. Reach for the stars, my love," Sherene said, turning to her daughter Chloe.

"I would love for her to outrank me. At least outside of home!"