Queen's Gurkha Signals trainees take next step in Army career at attestation parade

The latest batch of Queen's Gurkha Signals trainees have taken the next step to becoming fully qualified soldiers by taking part in their attestation parade.

Over the last couple of months, the 48 trainees have been learning all about their future trades after a vigorous selection process.

Having done their initial training at Catterick Garrison before coming to Gamecock Barracks, the attestation parade marks another milestone in their military careers.

• A sense of duty, fun and family: Senior officer hails Queen's Gurkha Signals
• British Army provides landmine disposal training to Ukrainian troops on Interflex
• A cold awakening for the latest Gurkha recruits

Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Carey, the commander of the Queen's Gurkha Signals, said this was huge.

"So the journey they've been on to get here alone is fantastic. It will lead their path as they move forward in their career. It's really important," he explained.

Signaller Joseph Fry was among the trainees on parade.

"To be out on the parade was really a proud thing for me because I got finally made cap badge, and I'm really proud of where I am," he said.

When he was asked about his goal within the Army he said: "I want to get to the officer level. I want to get commission."

After the parade, the trainees were told their new trades, which was a choice between information services engineer, power engineer or network engineer.

Signaller Sohon Rai said he was ready for the next step.

"I did not know what to expect before coming here, but since we got here and got to experience many new things... whatever is coming forward – I'm ready for that," he said.

The trainees will now go straight to Blandford for phase two of their training.