Aug 22 - Bumper Crop Of Royal Gibraltar Regiment Recruits
One of the largest cohorts from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment has passed out of their Initial Phase 1 Soldier Training after a challenging 42 Weeks of education and training.
The Army Foundation College (AFC) is in Harrogate, North Yorkshire and trains young people to become Junior Soldiers for the various Corps and Regiments of the Army. After their initial training at Harrogate Junior entry infantry soldiers then move on to the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick to complete their Phase 2 training.
Eight recruits in total, Pts Dyer, Summerfield-Fleming, Stewart, Tosso, De Vera, Eate, Gracia and Sheriki all passed out on the 11th August. Celebrating their success at the parade were the Commanding Officer the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Ivor Lopez, the Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Chris Canepa and OC Recruiting Major Julian Valverde.
The recruits completed a challenging training programme that consisted of a range of personal and professional skills training including amongst other things Fitness training, Military knowledge and Battlefield Casualty Drills. They were also enrolled onto the Army Apprenticeship scheme, which teaches them functional skills in English, Mathematics and Information Computer Technology (ICT).
The educational support that recruits receive is designed to prepare them better for military training and recruits are encouraged to apply what they have learnt in the classroom to practical problems. Learning is very relevant to any recruits future job and supports their chances of success in training and promotion throughout their Army career.
Julian Tosso, aged 17 said: “At the army foundation college I have achieved basic military knowledge and skills as well as passing my level 2's in maths, English and ICT and would kindly like to thank my mum and dad for motivating me throughout the year as well as the rest of my family. I am most definitely looking forward to all the challenges set in front of me and I am willing to take all the opportunities the Royal Gibraltar regiment will offer with no hesitation.”
Louis Sheriki, aged 17 said: “The reason I decided to join the army was because of the opportunities it can offer me in the future, and all the excitement and physical training that it brings with it. What I have enjoyed more of training has been LFTT, FIBUA and tactical exercise 3. I can't wait to get to battalion and do it every day and put my name forward to any kind of deployment the regiment has to offer.”
Dylan Gracia, aged 17 said: “I wanted to join the Army because I wanted to challenge myself and I wanted a career. I have a few friends who are already serving and they encouraged me to join as they are enjoying it a lot. I am looking forward to going back to Battalion and develop my skills further.”
Training in Military knowledge and the Qualities of a soldier instils pride, professionalism and discipline in the recruits. Recruits learn not only what the values and standards are, but more importantly what they mean, and how they apply to their conduct. These values and standards are what make the difference between a civilian and a soldier, and are a pivotal part of Army life.
Christian John Summerfield Fleming, aged 17 said: “I joined the army because I thought it was a great opportunity to go places and get the discipline I needed. Throughout my year in AFC Harrogate I have been put in situations where I've had to think for myself which has given me the chance to mature. I'm looking forward to my further training in the Royal Gibraltar Regiment where I can prove my skills as an individual. “
Myles Stewart, aged 17 said: “The reason I joined the army was to make a difference in the world to serve my country which I feel passionate about to make a few memories to look back on to explore new things. The best thing about Harrogate was making friends and bonding with different types of people along the way with the team work involved on exercise. I feel like I achieved something so I'm happy about that .I am looking forward to the experience of being in Gibraltar meeting new people, getting into my regiment and seeing what it's about learning the history and traditions.”
The young recruits are also taught how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and take part in a wide range of physical activities that are designed to challenge them. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle allows recruits to function well and minimises the chances of illness or injury. During this part of the course recruits receive advice on diet and nutrition, looking after themselves in hot and cold environments and how to prevent injuries.
Tyler Dyer, aged 18 said: “I joined the army because I thought the lifestyle of the army would be for me as my dad was in the regiment and I had been brought up with an army background. Things that I have liked about Harrogate are that you learn the basics of being a soldier and you do different exercises. I am looking forward to coming to the regiment so I can go on exercise as soon as possible.”
Julian De Vera, aged 17 said: “As a young child I'd always see on television these men in camouflage uniform, usually carrying weapon systems in fields and jungles but mostly because my father was interested in it as he was once a soldier in the in the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. I quickly became interested and wandered about into my local recruiting office and inquired about the job; after being briefed about it I clicked and automatically said yes because it was full of challenge, meeting new people and travelling and did not require a lot of qualifications”
Thomas Eate, aged 17, said: “I joined the army to fulfil my dreams of being a soldier and to carry the army tradition in my family. I have always wanted to challenge myself physically and mentally, and by joining the Army I have done that. I am now looking forward in completing my phase 2 training and joining my Battalion in Gibraltar.”
All the recruits are looking forward to the next stage of their training where they will continue to build on their individual skills and then concentrate on team and platoon skills. They will be taught the importance of discipline, integrity, loyalty and respect for others and learn that being a soldier is about putting others first and having the courage to do the right thing in any given situation.
If you are interested in a career in the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, please visit this website for more information: http://www.royalgibraltarregiment.gi/join_us.php
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