ARMY Training Regiment Winchester (ATR(W)) held their Passing Out Parade.

Troops from Anzio Company had completed their challenging, arduous and slightly longer 14-week training and so this will be an opportunity for them to celebrate their achievements.

Some 89 recruits from 1, 2 and 3 Platoon were on parade and were inspected by local MP Steve Brine with the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rosco Noott PWRR inspecting the Centre rank and the Adjutant, Capt Will Hall RTR the rear rank.

Mr Brine attended the event as a guest in 2011, but this time has been invited back with the honour of Inspecting the troops.

The training reflects the Army Physical Training System and endorses essential mental resilience training. The parade marks the end of their Basic Training, after which they will proceed as trained soldiers to their trade training schools around the country.

In his address Mr Brine said: “This has beans extra special passing out parade due to the extremely difficult time having to return home after only three weeks into your training because of the lockdown caused through Covid-19. This is the start of a journey for sure, but an absolute achievement and a rock from which you will build your careers.”

The parade format was very different from the norm, with the recruits’ friends and families unable to attend due to social distancing measures. It was live streamed over social media so recruits’ families and friends did not miss out. The Pass Out Parade remains important to mark what is a pivotal moment in the lives of the recruits.