AFC Harrogate - Passing in Parade 2019 from boy to British Soldier

At 5 years old our youngest son stated to us that he wanted to be either a bank robber or a soldier when he grew up. We hoped for the latter of the two career options.

At 12 years old he made a 'You Tube' video talking about the video game ‘Call of Duty’ where he offers tips and tricks on different weapon classes. He was an ace little gamer and had an amazing shot! I've never seen such a good KDR (Kill vs Death ratio).

His school offered a cadets course (CCF) that was run by the Royal Engineers and he was keen to join up. After 3 years of attending weekly cadets and achieving the rank of Cadet Corporal (almost reaching SGT) he discovered that he was able to join the army aged 16 as a junior soldier. We told him that probably wasn't possible. 🤔

We then saw the TV show ‘Raw Recruits’ and although we realised that the army did in fact accept 16 year olds, we still thought it would put him off when he saw what what actually required of him in order to succeed. It didn't. He went straight down to the Army careers office and collected the forms.

We agreed that if he showed the dedication and continued with his good behaviour at home that we would support him. We wanted to know he was serious.

He was still just 15 when he received his official job offer from the British Army after completing the forms and passing the required physical and medical exams.

5 weeks ago and having just turned 16, Connor left Rochester to join the Army Foundation College at Harrogate in North Yorkshire as a Junior Soldier.

On Friday 25th October 2019 he completed the first part of his Phase 1 training by passing his drill test. He then took part in a passing in parade among 228 soldiers in front of hundreds of proud parents and high ranking Army Officers.

His achievements so far include being the fastest runner in his platoon (of 45) resulting in him being selected to represent AFC Harrogate in cross country events against other soldiers including Paras, Gurkha’s and other civilian runners. He's in charge of his platoons kit for inspections, helps out in the armoury, and took charge of another section teaching them drill.

After their first overnight exercise he was asked to be 2IC - second in command of his section of 12 lads. The second night out they were operating weapons. He even has his own SA80 magazine for live and blank firing ammo. Connor was then told he was going to be permanent 2IC for his section.

He can now iron crispy creases into anything, fold towels that stack up perfectly, showers and shaves daily and he even thinks problems through logically. He has an amazing common sense about him and a clear view of the right and wrong way to do things.

In spite of these changes, his lovely nature is intact and he is living by the army’s high values of courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment along with living by the standards of being lawful, using appropriate behaviour and being totally professional at all times.

He has chosen to push himself upwards and is truly following his childhood dream to be a soldier.

The British Army have turned our boy into a man in just 5 weeks.

There are no words that accurately describe the feeling of being a parent to a soldier, but the Army comes pretty close with the phrase 'Rightly Proud'.

We're rightly humbled and inspired.

UPDATE 2021
Now a fully trained British soldier, stationed in Cyprus. Rock hard and full of confidence at the start of his career.

Please like and subscribe - he deserves it.

#AFCHarrogate #BeTheBest #Army