HUNDREDS of Junior Soldiers – including 17-year-old Charlie Ralph from Redditch– last week celebrated their graduation in a military passing out parade at the Army Foundation College, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
The parade marked the completion of the soldiers’ British Army Junior Entry training at Uniacke Barracks.
The youngsters will now go on to serve in various Corps and Regiments of the British Army to begin the next part of their specialist training.
Junior Entry soldiers go on to become engineers, IT specialists, infantry soldiers, as well as more technical specialists.
The prestigious ceremony is the culmination of many months of hard work and determination from all the Junior Soldiers graduating.
The British Army provides people with the opportunity to do an exciting job away from the mundane nine to five, and develop a sense of belonging that is difficult to achieve in any other job.
Junior Soldier Ralph, who studied at St Augustine’s Catholic High School, will go on to serve with the Royal Armoured Corps.
He said: “Graduating from AFC Harrogate in front of my friends and family is something that I am very proud of doing. As a Junior Soldier you learn core life skills such as leadership, teamwork and determination.
“I have made loads of friends and become much more confident in my own ability. I’ve been paid well for someone of my age and I’ve got some useful qualifications. I’m now looking forward to the next stage of my Army career.”
Lieutenant Colonel W J Strickland, Commanding Officer AFC Harrogate, said: “All the Junior Soldiers passing out today should be proud of all that they have achieved during their time at AFC Harrogate. The training these Junior Soldiers go through is tough, but undeniably leads to excellent opportunities for personal and career development and allows people’s talents and skills to shine through.
“In choosing an Army career you will belong to one of the most respected organisations in the world, be able to pursue a job that will make a positive difference to society and develop unique and lasting bonds of friendship. The Army will invest in your future development, and all Junior Soldiers are trained and offered skills and qualifications that can be used to grow a career within the Army or used in a civilian career.”
