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| 14 December 2011 BATTERSEA TERRITORIAL ARMY RECRUIT PASSES OUT WITH FLYING COLOURS BATTERSEA TERRITORIAL ARMY RECRUIT Richard Collis, 25, has been awarded the title of “Best Recruit” on completion of his six month Recruit course and was presented with The Old Comrades Association Prize. Along with thirty one other novices, Recruit Collis has passed out as a Trooper with the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), the oldest Regiment in the British Army. In front of family, friends and the Regimental Colonel, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent GCVO, Trooper Collis was presented with his Cap Badge and award by the Honorary Secretary of the Old Comrades Association, at the recent Pass Out Ceremony at Finsbury Barracks. The Old Comrades Association Prize is awarded to the recruit with no previous military experience, who the directing staff felt performed best during the course. Captain Tom Cardwell, Regimental Operations Support Officer said “Recruit Collis had an outstanding course showing good commitment, leadership and teamwork throughout. He performed well in the end-of-course theory and field-based tests, as well as proving himself a highly competent field soldier and key member of the platoon during the week-long field exercise which marked the culmination of training.” Trooper Collis, a student at the College of Law, was very proud to receive his award. He said “It’s been a bit of a shock to receive this Award. I’ve found the course very challenging but exceptionally rewarding and a great antidote to sitting behind a desk.” Trooper Collis has devoted six full weekends, nine days on a field training exercise and 42 hours of drill nights to ensure that he is fully trained to the very high standards demanded by the HAC. He said “I have always wanted to join the Army and see being a part of the TA as the best of both worlds. I have loved the training and my family and friends have been extremely supportive of me”. In addition to the military and teambuilding training, the social interaction plays a major part in becoming a Reservist. Trooper Collis continued “Joining the HAC has opened up a huge of wealth of friends and opportunities that I could not have got from anywhere else. The camaraderie has been amazing.” Topics covered by the Recruits included shooting, medical training, CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) training, patrolling skills, section attacks, FIBUA (fighting in a built up area) training, team and regimental ethos, regimental history, teambuilding and leaderless tasks. Sergeant Andy Hadrick, who took the Recruits through each stage of their training is justifiably very proud of them all. “I’ve been very impressed by their commitment and enthusiasm – they’ve embraced all the subject areas with great interest. We do put them through their paces – but when they pass out they are well-prepared for soldiering and the next stage of their training and possible deployment”. The Honourable Artillery Company, based at Armoury House in the heart of the City of London, is steeped in history and was first incorporated by Royal Charter in 1537 by King Henry VIII and is home to the Pikemen and Musketeers. Regiments of the Company have fought with distinction in The Boer War, both World Wars and its Territorial Army Regiment has a demanding and exciting role as part of the Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps which has had some 100 of its officers and soldiers mobilised for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last few years. In addition, HAC soldiers are privileged to perform ceremonial duties in the City of London including the firing of Royal Salutes at the Tower of London and providing Guards of Honour for visiting Heads of State. For more information about the HAC contact: 0207 448 0774 or http://www.hac.org.uk/html/the-active-unit/. For those wishing to join the Territorial Army primarily as soldiers, the eligible joining age is 17½ - 43. So, if you are looking for something extra in your life, a rewarding experience outside normal working hours for which you also get paid click on www.armyjobs.mod.uk for more information. ENDS For further media information, please contact: Sarah Johnson, Storm Marketing Communications. Telephone No: 07764 199643 Email: sarah@storm-marcomms.co.uk PHOTO CAPTIONS: 0655: Trooper Richard Collis is presented with his Cap Badge and The Old Comrades Association Prize by the Honorary Secretary of the Old Comrades Association, HAC. 0991: Trooper Richard Collis proudly holds the Old Comrades Association Prize. 0038: Thirty Two Territorial Army recruits from all walks of life take part in a special passing out parade to celebrate the successful conclusion of their Recruit Course which sees them all achieve the rank of Trooper with the Honourable Artillery Company. |