Recruits proud to join army

Published on Thursday 2 September 2010 13:41

Jonathan Saunders

jonathan.saunders@jpress.co.uk

A PAIR of new recruits are feeling proud after signing up to the army.

Tring boys Mark Jenkins, of Little Tring Road, and Carl Fry, of Lower Icknield Way, Marsworth, pledged allegiance to the army last Wednesday (September 1).

Their attestations were held at Watford's Army Careers office, where they signed forms and met Major Geoff Woodcock.

The 16-year-olds then went to Harrogate on Sunday, where they will spend 42 weeks doing training.

Mark, a former Tring School pupil, who was joined at the attestation by mum Angela, said: "My mum just thought it was great. She had the camera out and was taking lots of pictures.

"It just felt like a great sense of commitment. I am doing something good for the country.

"I am excited and not nervous. I am just confident, open-minded and prepared."

Carl, who went to Cottesloe School in Wing, pledged his allegiance in front of mum Nicola, dad Russell and 12-year-old sister Kylie.

He said: "I think my family think it is quite good because I have managed to get up and do something with my life instead of sitting around." The keen downhill mountain biker said he is looking forward to improving his physical fitness in the army.

"It is going to be a very hard lifestyle but rewarding as well," he said.

Carl will join the Royal Anglian Regiment, while Mark will enlist to the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire.

Sergeant Brian Mooney, from the Royal Electrical Engineers, who works in the careers office, said: "This attestation is more for the family and friends to see because when they go to Harrogate they will have a proper enlisting.

"All the people like myself and people in the office are getting to a stage where we are getting older and we need younger people to take our places because they are more keen and energetic."

Sgt Mooney said after Carl and Mark have completed their training in Harrogate, they will go to Catterick for 13 weeks for an intensive infantry skills course.

Then they face a two-week battle camp where everything they have learned will be tested.

Sgt Mooney added: "It is quite an experience and a year is a long time but it makes men of them.

"When you are walking down the street you can see a soldier because of the way they walk. Their heads are up and they are proud of the job they do."

Jonathan Saunders

jonathan.saunders@jpress.co.uk

A PAIR of new recruits are feeling proud after signing up to the army.

Tring boys Mark Jenkins, of Little Tring Road, and Carl Fry, of Lower Icknield Way, Marsworth, pledged their allegiance to the army last Wednesday (September 1).

Their attestations were held at Watford's Army Careers office, where they signed forms and met Major Geoff Woodcock.

The 16-year-olds then went to Harrogate on Sunday, where they will spend 42 weeks doing training.

Mark, a former Tring School pupil, who was joined at the attestation by mum Angela, said: "My mum just thought it was great. She had the camera out and was taking lots of pictures.

"It just felt like a great sense of commitment. I am doing something good for the country.

"I am excited and not nervous. I am just confident, open-minded and prepared."

Carl, who went to Cottesloe School in Wing, pledged his allegiance in front of mum Nicola, dad Russell and 12-year-old sister Kylie.

He said: "I think my family think it is quite good because I have managed to get up and do something with my life instead of sitting around."

The keen downhill mountain biker said he is looking forward to improving his physical fitness in the army.

"It is going to be a very hard lifestyle but rewarding as well," he said.

Carl will join the Royal Anglian Regiment, while Mark will enlist to the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire.

"All the people like myself and people in the office are getting to a stage where we are getting older and we need younger people to take our places because they are more keen and energetic."

Sgt Mooney said after Carl and Mark have completed their training in Harrogate, they will go to Catterick for 13 weeks for an intensive infantry skills course.

Then they face a two-week battle camp where everything they have learned will be tested.

Sgt Mooney added: "It is quite an experience and a year is a long time but it makes men of them.

"When you are walking down the street you can see a soldier because of the way they walk. Their heads are up and they are proud of the job they do."

Tring boys Carl Fry, left, and Mark Jenkins at Watford Army Careers office with Major Geoff Woodcock. 10-1256