HUNDREDS of teenagers are preparing to join regiments in the British Army after graduating from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

More than 650 junior soldiers who were 16 or 17 when they began training took part in a passing out parade in front of Lieutenant General Nick Pope CBE, Deputy Chief of the General Staff. He told them: “Joining the Army is like joining an extended family and rest assured that the teams you will join are part of that family. This is about belonging. Aim high, be positive and have the confidence to challenge things. The Army life is about integrity, courage and selfless commitment.”

Some recruits will continue their training with infantry regiments, the Royal Artillery, Royal Armoured Corps and Royal Logistic Corps while others will join specialist units such as the Royal Signals.