Army Foundation College
British Army training unit in Yorkshire, England / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, England, is the sole initial military training unit for British Army recruits who enlist aged between 16 and 17.5 years.[1]
Army Foundation College Harrogate | |
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Active | 1947 – 1996 (as the Army Apprentices School, Harrogate) 3 August 1998 – Present |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Role | Phase 1 Training establishment |
Size | ~1,300 soldiers under training ~500 permanent staff |
Part of | Initial Training Group (ITG) |
Location | Uniacke Barracks, Penny Pot Lane, Harrogate HG3 2SE |
Motto(s) | Trust, Courage, Team Spirit |
Colours | Red, Yellow, Blue, Black & Green |
Commanders | |
Commanding Officer | Lt Col Mike Butler ETS |
Honorary Colonel | Col Bear Grylls OBE |
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/Army_Foundation_College_gates.jpg/320px-Army_Foundation_College_gates.jpg)
AFC delivers two 'Phase 1' initial training courses: the 'long course' of 49 weeks, mainly for recruits in combat roles, and the 23-week 'short course' for recruits in most other roles.[1] In addition to their military training, recruits are enrolled onto basic Functional Skills courses in English, maths, and ICT.[2]
Approximately 1,200 boys and 100 girls begin training at AFC annually, of whom approximately 500 are enrolled for the infantry.[3] On average, 70% of recruits complete their course, then moving to other army units for their 'Phase 2' role-specific training.[4]
AFC is graded 'outstanding' for welfare by Ofsted but has also attracted criticism for the physical and sexual abuse of recruits,[5][6][7][8] high drop-out rate,[4] and high running costs.[9]