Junior soldier on the march

Junior Sergeant Aaron Stelmach-Purdie

A JUNIOR soldier from Oldham received a top prize when he graduated from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

Junior Sergeant Aaron Stelmach-Purdie (17) was awarded the prize for the Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) prize for best AGC soldier at the prestigious college, which caters for 16-year-olds.

Aaron (pictured) joined the Army Foundation College in September, last year, for a unique 42-week-long course combining vocational education and military training.

He has gained National Vocational Qualifications in information technology and key skills, as well as a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

The Director General of Army Recruiting and Training, Major General Gerald Berragan, who inspected the parade of some 600 junior soldiers, presented Aaron with his award at Uniacke Barracks.

Aaron said: “I really enjoyed my year in Harrogate, especially getting stuck into the tactical exercises.

“Our ‘Realities of War’ trip to Normandy was my first time in Europe.

“It really hit me what our grandfathers had done for us and reinforced what I want to achieve in my military career.”