Teenagers sign for a career in the army

Sean Paul McGuire (16), from Twechar, left, and Derek Buntain (16), from Cumbernauld, made up 13 new recruits who took the oath at the Armed Forces careers office in Glasgow’s Queen Street recently.

The youngsters will start their phase one training at AFC Harrogate, the Army’s foundation college in Yorkshire, this September.

The college is designed for young entrants to the army and trains them to be junior soldiers.

Training will include basic military skills and values such as weapons handling, map reading and first aid, but also has a heavy focus on education and building basic maths, English and IT skills.

Sean Paul McGuire (pictured) said: “My family has a military background – my uncle is in the TA and my grandfather was in the merchant navy, so I’m excited to be following the tradition.

“I’m looking forward to learning a lot, it’s going to be a physical challenge but I think I’m up for it. I want to be posted everywhere, and I’m thinking about potentially specialising as an engineer.

“Also, I’d love to get back involved in Tae Kwon Do – I used to do it when I was younger and joining the army gives me a chance to take it up again.”

Sean Paul’s mum, Mary, added: “I was definitely nervous at first when he told us he was signing up, but we went to an open day at Harrogate at it really put my mind at ease as I now know what he will be doing and how much support there is.

“The main thing is that we are both so proud of him, and are totally behind his new career – he’s going to do so well.”

What’s your view? Email our newsdesk or call 01236 725578.