16/02/2022
This is the single most important day in the College calendar and marks the completion of between 6 and 12 months of military training for over 400 young men and women embarking on the first steps in their military career. Watched by over 2000 proud family and friends (Government guidelines dependant) and accompanied by music performed by the The Catterick Band. It is a day packed with pride, emotion and poignancy.
As you may know, the Army Foundation College represents the most comprehensive soldier Basic Training establishment in the world. Through leadership development, Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme accreditation, sporting prowess, adventurous training and education - no other military invests the time, energy and breadth of resources into its soldiers as the British Army does through Harrogate.
Our graduating Junior Soldiers are the Army’s future leaders. The College is also (arguably) the most effective education establishment in the United Kingdom and, as an Ofsted Outstanding institution, it represents the jewel in the crown of the British Army’s training engine.
Graduating Coys. The graduating Junior Soldiers have completed a broad training syllabus which includes Military Skills, Leadership and Initiative Training, Physical Development and Education. A brief description of each of the Coys is contained below:
Waterloo Coy. Waterloo Coy form the Junior Entry (Short Course). The Junior Soldiers arrived at the College in September 2021 and will have completed 21 weeks of training. Those on the short course join the technical trades: The Royal Engineers, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Air Corps, Adjutant’s General Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Signals and The Corps of Army Music. Upon completion they move to Initial Trade Training.
Cambrai Coy. Cambrai Coy form the Junior Entry (Long Course). They joined the College in March 2021 and will have completed 40 weeks of training. These Junior Soldiers will join the Infantry, Royal Artillery, Royal Armoured Corps and the driver trade of the Royal Logistic Corps before moving to Initial Trade Training.
