Pledges are made, now it’s time to get training (From Worcester News)

Pledges are made, now it’s time to get Army training

2:40pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News By Elizabeth Sweetman, @lizsweetmanWN #worcsnews

EIGHTEEN Army recruits pledged their allegiance to Queen and country during a ceremony at Worcester’s Guildhall .

The pledge was taken during a ceremony led by Major David Manners in front of the Mayor of Worcester Roger Berry and their proud family and friends yesterday.

Thirteen of the recruits were aged only 16 or 17. They will begin their military career at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate next week.

The college offers a combination of training for young recruits before they move on to their chosen regiments and corps.

Among them was David Baker, aged 16, a former Tudor Grange High School pupil, who will join the Royal Logistic Corps as a driver. Despite reservations about leaving his family, he said he was excited about his new career.

“I’m just excited now and I’m ready to go on Sunday”, he said. “I’m expecting it to be tough, and I’m expecting to want to go home some days, but I’m just ready for it.

"I’m sad to be leaving my family but the excitement has taken over. They’re really proud of me.

“It’ll hit me on Sunday though.”

Madison McCollum of Malvern also expressed her excitement after pledging her allegiance.

The 16-year-old former Dyson Perrins CE Academy pupil will be joining the Royal Artillery.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to do it. It’s been taking ages, but I’m looking forward to it now. I chose the Royal Artillery because it looked good.”

Jack Pugh, aged 17, of Droitwich, is joining the Mercian regiment – which includes the Worcester and Sherwood Foresters.

He said: “It’s starting to feel real now. I’m excited and apprehensive.”

The new recruits all joined through the Army Careers Information Office in Foregate Street, Worcester, where they passed literacy and numeracy assessments as well as fitness, teamwork and commitment selection tests.

The careers office is open from Monday to Friday and has a dedicated team of experienced soldiers available to give advice and support to anyone considering a career with the Army.

For more information, visit army.mod.uk/join