Behind the scenes with British Army’s youngest soldiers for their biggest day

Passing out parades are the culmination of what is generally considered the most arduous task an Army recruit has ever faced.
For the recruits, it is all about self-realisation; of achieving something that has been significantly challenging.
Forces News was able to spend 24 hours with a group of junior soldiers for the final hours of their basic training, as they prepared for the proudest day of a soldier's life - passing out of basic training in front of friends and families.
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[@rickyal9810]

Good luck Lads and Ladies! Your country is very proud of you!!

[@skittlesandfriends5710]

Congratulations to them all on completing their basic training, Back in 1983 when I completed my US Navy Basic Training I felt ten feet tall marching on the Parade Grounds. The lessons I learned in Basic Training have stuck with me throughout the decades.

[@scottcassidy982]

Basic training. The best and worst time of your career 😂

[@modifidious666]

youre quite right, did mine in 92 and i'm still living by the lessons nailed into my young self.

[@rokhnroll]

Well done to all, there are still many of us who are proud of all our Military Personnel.

[@Growlerinthebush]

I went to the Junior Leaders Regt RE based in Dover back in 1970, every Saturday morning was RSM's parade getting you ready for the pass out. Right up to the final course 8 you were on these parades so you were immaculate on pass out in the end. Well done to the college in Harrogate churning out our future soldiers that will end up as RSM's and even officers in the future of the British Army. Good luck to the Sappers on that parade now the real training starts when you get to Gibraltar barracks.👍

[@lukedelport8231]

Well done ladies and gentlemen I have no doubt that you will make us proud

[@simonnoble7589]

Well done guys , very smart turn out ...

[@jacobkeppler1984]

Congratulations everyone well done

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

Congratulations Guys and Girls!!! I did the same Junior soldier way back in 1986 left the Army in 1995. Served all over the world Falklands, Desert Storm, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Germany, Canada and America. Was a wonderful experience. Set me up for life with Discipline and Determination. Congratulations ALL your country is very proud of You!!!!

[@jmalloy2202]

One of the hardest part of the start of the military career. once pass the basic training, the 2nd phase of training is much easier. 😊👍

[@dondouglass6415]

What a wonderful day for those (sorry) kids. That was me 45 years ago as a kid.

[@ranger8575]

The responsibility of defending the nation is in your hands now. Army Be The Best.

[@georgerobert4709]

I remember when there were 3 Colleges ; AAC ARBORFIELD (REME) AAC CHEPSTOW (RE) and AAC HARROGATE (R.Sigs) Best thing that could happen to a 16 yr old !

[@Koomba27]

Hoping to be one of the hundreds more coming in, got my assesment centre next week to hopefully go in September.

[@not_bradpitt]

good luck fella - it's a good route to success!

[@craigbell2926]

good luck kidda my son just graduated from harogate this aug 2023 after a year there he loved it but dont get me wrong he hated the first week was homesick etc wanted to come home but me and his mam stood firm more so me said no not picking you up etc and he stuck it and after the first week he never looked back hes now at catterick and says its the best thing hes ever done good luck koomba27 hope it works for you

[@catlee8064]

33 yrs since i passed out at catterick.....still makes my legs/back ache thinking about it. Went around the world a few times, got a suntan on a few occasions, frost bite on a few more....wouldnt change it for the world. Enjoy it lads, its hard but good.

[@robertthomas1590]

😂 that lad making junior Sergeant Major is gunna regret it when he starts phase two in catterick hahaha

[@Ryan-pl2oj]

don’t worry he knows

[@gw2891]

Yep just like when I went to Whittington barracks Lichfield in 1989 anyone admitting to being an army cadet was immediately ostracised

[@teecee1567]

@@gw2891You DO realise that 1989 was 34 years ago! We've moved on from all that nonsense. Yes, if he starts to be a smart arse, he be slapped down immediately... and quite right...but somehow, I don't believe that young man will behave that way.

[@selwynowen6213]

I went to that establishment in September 1972 for my army select

[@levitated-pit]

our Staff Seargent kept cracking dirty jokes while we were stood at attention for the Colonels address it was really quite surreal after all the beastings he gave us! it really made the day to be part of his organization!

[@etherealhawk]

Well done all

[@jawaidmohammad2100]

Hated the locker layout bed blocks never been so tired exhausted first 5 wks it was experience good laugh 😅.

[@forwardclarity]

7plt Cambrai intake of September 99. Back then we were called Army Students. Well done to these soldiers go enjoy your regiments.

[@CarlBates-lj6im]

I was in 7 platoon cambrai company in the 1st intake at the AFC in 1998.

[@CarlBates-lj6im]

I was in 7 platoon cambrai company in the 1st intake at the AFC in 1998.

[@CarlBates-lj6im]

I was in 7 platoon cambrai company in the 1st intake at the AFC in 1998.

[@CarlBates-lj6im]

I was in 7 platoon cambrai company in the 1st intake at the AFC in 1998.

[@CarlBates-lj6im]

I was in 7 platoon cambrai company in the 1st intake at the AFC in 1998.

[@emersonmsd]

Been there done that. RAC JLR 82. I had to get my mums permission to travel to Germany to join my regiment as I was only 17,5 😂

[@glynluff2595]

Gosh that looks a bit different from 19 bods per room in first war spiders which burnt down with great regularity! Slashed peaks for some too!

[@raystewart6524]

I joined at 17...in 70

[@marines225]

Being so young, do they have to finish regular school first? I joined the Marines when I was 17 but did Boot Camp with others up to their late 20s. I guess the Junior Soldier is unique to the British Army?

[@user-nm5nh4po8i]

Pretty sure in the UK you can leave school at 16, but you’ll have to go to higher education (college) or start an apprenticeship which is what these Privates are doing right here

[@LANDYMAN090]

After 22 years, I wouldn’t have changed a thing….well maybe one or two (I didn’t get my good boy medal) 😂 To all those who passed out congratulations ,but remember your not a soldier yet. Listen to those senior soldiers, they’ve been there, done that and a lot have helped write the manual. But above all, have fun even when you’re feeling down as it’s one of the best jobs you’ll ever have.

[@teecee1567]

Great advice.

[@Katmando376]

When I joined as a Junior Soldier in 1976 they then told me that after training I would have to repeat it all as an Adult Soldier that really seemed a waste of time so left after 6 weeks. There were some real racists in those days so No Regrets! Enjoyed my time in the Territorials after that!

[@ParksideJohn]

I served with 1RRW in the 80s, there wasn't much difference with bull/inspections between Depot Lichfield and life in the Battalion in Germany. As a Scots Guards NCO at the School of Infantry remarked to me in 89 when were were the Demo battalion in Warminster " the only time we get phucked about anything like you lot is Trooping the Colour. Its everyday with you."

[@Callmejosh297]

Joining Harrogate in 11 days can't wait

[@pricelessppp]

How was it?

[@teecee1567]

12 MONTHS basic training for soldiers? Sailors manage to do it in 10 weeks! Seriously though, so very proud of young people such as this. Our nation needs them.

[@1ShotPolo]

It's only 12 months for under 18s going into infantry and a few other regiments, under 18s going Into non combat roles do 6 months, and all over 18s do 12 weeks basic training

[@ulone8228]

Are they going to be officer? After passing out

[@JW-2023]

No, these soldiers are 'other ranks' - officers go to Sandhurst for their initial training. 👍

[@StephenButlerOne]

One thing that does confuse me about the army pass out, mainly as ive never looked into it, is how there is soldiers from diferent regiments all pass out at the same time. As an RM, i can understand why thry group them ad some RM troop pass outs can be a very small amount of men.

[@72stones43]

Cussing is a sign of ignorance. Very proud of decent people.

[@teecee1567]

@72stones43 One of the biggest "cussers" I know in UK is a gentleman called Stephen Fry, who is regarded by all as an outstandingly intelligent man.

[@PotatoSalad614]

Tell me you’re American without telling me you’re american

[@whya2ndaccount]

How does someone who hasn't survived/passed P Company get to wear a beret?

[@jackdoubleday1763]

What do you mean?

[@rikkivet3407]

Your earn the wings when you do p company don’t have to do p company to wear maroon lid

[@whya2ndaccount]

@@rikkivet3407 Ah my mistake, thanks for the correction. A bit different here.

[@rikkivet3407]

@@whya2ndaccount welcome mate

[@carlosreyes207]

" FAITHFUL TO THE END , HE KEPT TO HIS ORIGINAL TASK . " TO BE REMEMBERED ALWAYS AND IN MEMORY OF , " HER MAJESTY , " " QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND " " APRIL 21 , 1926 " - " SEPTEMBER 08 , 2022 " " 2023 "

[@romeo9017]

Shame about the berets….

[@Mr__Chicken]

Don't they have to re-do the training as adult soldiers? Bit of a kick in the balls.

[@georgerobert4709]

You re-do it constantly throughout your career.

[@JW-2023]

No, they don’t - that’s totally false information.

[@ReallyFarFarAway]

- Beautiful !!! --- --- ---- --- --- - How about more of the same ? ... or ... - is it enough .. ?

[@kenUK762]

Jeez, I hate that peanut sized tie knot. 🥴

[@corporal747]

How about just wishing them the best and not talking about 'when I passed out' .... bla bla me me

[@peterchaloner2877]

UK needs to follow USA. We need an Admiral in heels, skirt and lipstick, inspiring his sailors.

[@LANDYMAN090]

We’ve already got them in the army now. I believe “they” where a WO2. But one thing for sure, they wouldn’t pass ether male or female BFT.

[@mikewinston8709]

Not a transgender in sight. Lots of normal young men and women.

[@pepperroni6252]

What's that got to do with anything? You looking for them do you want a big strong military woman to look after you

[@forwardclarity]

Found one ☝️

[@lachlanchester8142]

Why were you looking for one? Got a preference for em?

[@K_-_-_-_K]

Also worth noting "lack of diversity" isnt a problem when its whites being sent to war

[@forwardclarity]

​ @lachlanchester8142 I do, I do It's true. Started at the blue windows in Amsterdam now I can't get enough.

[@jjsmallpiece9234]

Too young to know any better. Standing around in a red uniform in London isn't a life. They missed their chance and should have joined the guys over head at 3min 15sec

[@shaunmcmillan6791]

More chance of becoming a Pilot in the AAC than the RAF…

[@jjsmallpiece9234]

@@shaunmcmillan6791 Mistake No1 - joining the pongos

[@douglasherron7534]

Didn't you know, the RAF don't want white men...

[@teecee1567]

@@shaunmcmillan6791Yeah.. if you go to be a pilot in the RAF, and you're a straight white male, you've no chance.

[@PotatoSalad614]

You can’t join the RAF as a straight white male in 2023.

[@bobbates7343]

If anything can be learned from the war in The Ukraine it is that there is no need to learn to march and stand at attention for hours . Making a bunk perfectly is a waste of time. Teach the people how to fight . Sure follow order but make those orders no different in peace time then any boss would be likely to give. A private business is not going to waste time teaching the workers to march or any of that. Make the stuff or do the stuff the boss does for the money and that is that

[@tazuk01]

Obviously you know nothing.

[@johnpixie]

its about attention to detail, carrying out commans corectly, being dicaplined, being clean, looking good and working as a team. we do drill for a reason...but i do agree that it is over done in some places where its less needed

[@lachlanchester8142]

I’d like to know how you think the Ukraine war has showed that

[@FHIPrincePeter]

We have heard of your causality rate. Also we are not Fascists but democrats.

[@PotatoSalad614]

The British army still did drill in WW2. Stop comparing our professional army to an average conscript Eastern European army.

[@darv66]

and another batch of cannon fodder is sent out

[@northwestukdogtrainingbase1606]

That so called cannon fodder gave you the right to have a life free from censorship, free to do the things you want Remember that and honour those that served and serve They gave ( and may one day fight for you to keep it ) you one of the greatest gifts freedom!

[@callumhowarth9558]

What a whopper

[@scripturesinyoureface]

i almost cried ...🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂