A junior soldier from Ellesmere Port received a top prize when he graduated from the prestigious Army Foundation College in Harrogate.
Aiden Peach, 17, was awarded the Cowper Cup as the best junior soldier at Personal and Team Development and Adventurous Training.
Aiden joined the Army Foundation College in March last year for a unique 42 week long course combining vocational education and military training.
On the course, he gained a Duke of Edinburgh’s award and a National Vocational Qualification in ICT at level 2.
“I’ve always wanted to join the army,” said Aiden, a former pupil of University Church of England Academy in Whitby Road, “so it’s been a dream come true getting through training.
“The friends I have made are the most important part but also having a job with good pay that still challenges you is great.”
More than 81% of the junior soldiers who joined the longer 42 week course were successful, marching off the parade square towards the second phase of their training in the Infantry, Royal Artillery and Royal Armoured Corps.
“The prize awarded to Aiden is the culmination of many months of hard work and dedication,” said Lieutenant Colonel Oz Lane, the college’s commanding officer.
“He can be rightly proud of his achievements at the college, and the staff and I wish him well as he goes forward to the second phase of his training with the Mercian Regiment.”
The General Officer Commanding 3 UK Division, Major General James Cowan CBE DSO, inspected the 450-strong parade and presented Junior Soldier Peach with his award.
“When I told my mum she was made up and really proud,” said Aiden, “and I’ve made new friends who I know I will keep in contact with for the rest of my career.
“The training was tough, and it made us all working together and realise how far we’d come from the start.
“You share all your experiences with your friends and become best mates.”
Junior soldiers work on their leadership and team skills as part of the college’s personal and team development package. They undertake a number of adventurous training activities, as well as physical and mental challenges, culminating in a 30 hour challenge patrol across the Yorkshire Dales.
The students are also given the opportunity to sample a wide variety of sports promoting fitness and agility.
The college opened in 1998 and accommodates 1344 junior soldiers. It also trains junior soldiers on a longer 42 week course. For more information go to www.army.mod.uk/training_education/24420.aspx.
