Months of training culminate in parade
The Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate saw 750 Junior Soldiers take to the parade square in a proud graduation ceremony marking the end of months of intense basic training.
Family and friends, numbering more than 5,000, gathered under bright summer skies to witness the 16 and 17-year-olds march in formation, demonstrate their new skills, and celebrate their achievements.
The graduating soldiers completed a rigorous programme of military training, education and fitness, finishing with a demanding two-week battle camp and tactical exercise designed to prepare them for Army life. For many, it marked the start of a long-anticipated military career.
Family bonds on the square
Among those graduating was 17-year-old Chloe De Stadler from Epsom, Surrey, who will join the Army Air Corps as groundcrew. She shared the special moment with her mother, Sherene, who had recently completed her own initial training to become an Army Reservist with the Grenadier Guards.
“Joining the Army always interested me because of all it has to offer,” Chloe said.
“I am grateful for the opportunities it will give my future career and the challenges I will need to overcome.”
Sherene, also a gym manager, joined the Reserve to better understand and support her daughter’s journey.
“We are able to help each other and learn together because we can speak the same army language,” she said.
“It felt amazing knowing my mum was in the audience, understanding exactly what I’ve gone through.”
Following in family footsteps
For Junior Soldier Madalyn Laycock, 17, from Goole, Yorkshire, the day carried extra significance. She graduated in front of her father, Captain Graham Laycock, an instructor at AFC who trained at the same college 26 years earlier.
“I’ve always lived as a military child, so I had an insight into what army life was like,” said Madalyn, who is joining the Royal Army Medical Services as a Combat Medical Technician.
Captain Laycock called the moment “one of the most emotional and rewarding experiences” of his life.
“I’ve loved watching her grow into a stronger person, full of confidence,” he said.
“She’s carving her own path, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Parade led by top cadet
The parade was led by 16-year-old Wesley Jefferson-Hallet, named Junior Regimental Sergeant Major. Senior Inspecting Officer was Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker, while former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate attended as guest of honour.
The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas provided the soundtrack to the day, their green ceremonial uniforms adding to the pageantry. The graduating soldiers marched with precision across the square, their brown uniforms and rifles aligned in perfect time.
Looking ahead
With their basic training complete, the Junior Soldiers will now move to their chosen regiments for specialist trade training. The AFC runs two intakes a year, offering 49-week and 23-week courses for recruits at the start of their Army careers.
For families like the De Stadlers and the Laycocks, the day was more than a parade – it was a shared milestone, blending personal pride with the enduring traditions of the British Army.
