The Army Foundation College (AFC) at Harrogate delivers Phase 1 (initial military) training to Junior Entry recruits destined for the Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Artillery and Infantry. Recruits make their final cap badge selection after week 21. The aim of the course is to develop the qualities of leadership, character, and team spirit required of a soldier to achieve a full career in the Army. The 42-week course is a progressive and integrated package divided into three 14-week terms. It combines the Common Military Syllabus (Recruits) with Vocational Education and Leadership and Initiative Training. Recruits achieve a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship and up to Key Skills Level 3.<O:P> </O:P>

Entrants to the college are aged between 16 and 17 years. They are offered the opportunity to pursue a one year Army Foundation Course. This course provides a supportive environment and the Foundation Course allows students to develop a broad range of skills and qualifications that are equally valuable in both Army and civilian life. 

There are three main elements to the course. There are 23 weeks of military training, which include basic or advanced soldiering, progressive physical training, infantry weapons, grenades, military leadership, marksmanship, parade ground drill. There is also a two week final exercise in the field.<O:P> </O:P>

There are five weeks of leadership and initiative training which takes you hill walking, hiking, caving, rock climbing, abseiling, and all kind of leadership and command tasks. Lastly, there are 14 weeks of vocational education which can result in NVQ or SVQ in Information Technology. <O:P></O:P>About 1,000 young soldiers attend the college each year.<O:P> </O:P>