New Commanding Officer takes charge at Army Foundation College Harrogate
The Army Foundation College has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Jules Russell as its new commanding officer, placing him in charge of training the British Army’s youngest recruits.
Situated close to Harrogate in North Yorkshire, all 16- and 17-year-old recruits spend up to 12 months in training at the college.
Outgoing CO Lieutenant Colonel Mike Butler thanked staff and recruits in a post on X, adding that his tenure as Commanding Officer had been "the best two-and-a-half years" of his career.
Recruits can sign up to join the British Army from the age of 16 with parental consent and are classed as junior soldiers during an extended period of basic training, which takes place at the Army Foundation College.
At "the college", as it's known in military circles, recruits undergo Phase One, or basic training, along with personal development coaching and vocational education.
Each year, approximately 1,500 junior soldiers complete the course, culminating in a large passing out parade in front of friends and family, known as the graduation parade.
Under UK law, military personnel must be at least 18 years of age to serve on active overseas operational duty.
On taking up command, Lt Col Russell, who has served at the college on two previous occasions, including as a company commander, said it was his dream appointment and that the Army Foundation College "feels like home".
He added: "I'm passionate about the transformative work the college undertakes."
Under Lt Col Butler's leadership, the college introduced initiatives such as an annual boxing event, secured additional neighbouring land for training and appointed ex-special forces veteran Bear Grylls as Honorary Colonel.
Speaking to BFBS Forces News after his appointment, Colonel Bear called the college's training the "ultimate adventure".
Last September, the college announced it was at 100% capacity following a bumper intake of new recruits.
At the time, Lt Col Butler said that joining the Army required courage, but with the support of the college staff, recruits would find it possible to "make the transition from civilian to soldier, embracing all the challenges and opportunities that come with it".
Lt Col Russell, who is cap-badged ETS (Educational and Training Services), a branch of the Adjutant General's Corps, also spoke of the test he and his permanent staff faced in training recruits into professional soldiers.
He said: "It is a challenging but immensely valuable and rewarding task, which we take great pride in, to receive an under-18 from civilian society and develop them into characterful, capable and resilient soldiers prepared for a long career in the Army.
"It is a true privilege to be a part of the team of military and civilian instructors and support staff that make these life-changing opportunities possible and I am proud to serve that team and purpose during my tenure as Commanding Officer."
In February, the Ministry of Defence unveiled plans to streamline the process of joining the Armed Forces, which it said would cut red tape.
Announcing the plans, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said the Government was "taking decisive action to address recruitment and retention challenges within our Armed Forces".
He added: "For too long, we have seen keen and capable prospective recruits failed by an outdated system, full of delays and inefficiencies."
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