HUNDREDS of teenage soldiers have switched headgear to symbolise the start of their military careers at the Army Foundation College, near Harrogate.
Nearly 400 16-year-old junior soldiers changed their camouflage caps for berets with their chosen cap-badges to march out for their first parade at the college's Uniacke Barracks, in Pennypot Lane.
The recruits, who have just completed their first six weeks of training, were watched by their families and friends.
The college's commanding officer, Lt Col Guy Deacon, inspected the soldiers and took the salute as they marched past.
He said: "This is an important day for these young people, and it is the first chance that they have to show their families what they have achieved so far at the college.
"The changing of the cap to the beret symbolises the start of their Army career, and I am sure this will be a memorable day for them."
The junior soldiers' training uniquely combines military skills with vocational qualifications.
Updated: 08:18 Monday, February 17, 2003
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