Adventurer and television personality Bear Grylls has been appointed Honorary Colonel of The Army Foundation College (Harrogate) (AFC(H)), according to a press release.
This role will see Grylls act as a figurehead for the college, which provides basic training for soldiers under the age of 18.
Grylls, a Number One bestselling author and former Army Reservist, has a distinguished career in adventure, including climbing Mount Everest and hosting various adventure TV shows across all continents.
He was also the first Chief Ambassador to the World Scout Organization and was appointed an OBE in 2019 for his services to young people, the media, and charity.
In the press release, Grylls expressed his pride in being appointed by His Majesty The King, stating, “The AFC(H) builds the character, competence, and resilience of young people to help them succeed in life and within the military. No matter where you come from, if you’re willing to do your best and live by the Army’s Values and Standards, then the College offers adventure, challenge, qualifications, friends for life, and confidence that will last a lifetime.”
He added, “Watch this space for many adventures ahead and respect to all of you.”
AFC(H) is the only Junior Entry Basic Training establishment in the British Army, offering a blend of military training, personal development, and education to equip young people with the skills needed for military and civilian success. Grylls’ first official duty as Honorary Colonel will be as Senior Inspecting Officer at the upcoming graduation, where around 600 Junior Soldiers will commence their next phase of training.
Honorary Colonels, who do not need a military background, play a vital role in fostering ‘esprit de corps’ and supporting the leadership teams of their units without being involved in daily operations.
Grylls, informally known as Colonel Bear, will bring his unique experience and motivational spirit to the AFC(H), enhancing the training environment for the youngest recruits, say the army.
Is he an animal or a bit of an oven?
Time for Hydration lessons with Colonel Bear…
😂good one.
When I joined, REME apprentices went to Arborfield, RE at Chepstow and R Sigs at Harrogate. There were also numerous other “junior” units, including Dover, Deepcut, Colerne, Bovington and Bassingbourne to name a few. It was said at the time, that a greater percentage of juniors went on to reach Warrant Officer or get commissioned that those who join as adult. The Colonel at Arborfield when I joined was an ex Apprentice and it was only last month that I attended his funeral (94), just month down here in Bristol.
That was a time when the nation invested in youth, sadly what we have today is a shadow of those days. Most secondary schools had cadet units too, until lefty teachers squashed that. Also it was a time when trade training was encouraged, before “uni for all” and Mickey Mouse degrees with student debt. We need to get back to those days.
Nostalgia- it ain’t what it used to be.
However that aside John’s right.
He certainly is. Sadly things are going to become far worse before they get better.
I’ve long advocated that our armed forces need to play a greater role in the daily lives of British subjects. With a presence in schools, NHS and national logistics.
Hi John, fair point about not investing in our youth.
However, I can assure you that Army Cadets, Air Training Corp and Sea Cadets are still around in most towns.
As an ACF instructor, we do make a positive difference to the youngsters lives, teaching them to be good citizens as well as partaking in military subjects, such as field craft, skill at arms, shooting, drill, first aid etc. When the cadets turn18,or,a little older, some do join the army and have a great career in it.
The secondary school local to me has certainly got one and it has a large membership-.some days it looks like the town’s been invaded by some kind of pint-sized militia.
The Colonel obviously instilled the right attitude in the apprentices under his care. May he rest in peace.
A now deceased good friend of mine, started his military career in the 70’s at Chepstow. The stories he told of his time there kept us entertained for many nights. Particularly accounts of the local people taking apprentices into their homes at weekends and holidays.
Rory was patriotic with a fervour and spent his later years helping as many people as he could. I miss him but I’m also pleased he has been spared watching our country continue to deteriorate.
I was intake 74A at Arborfield, what a life for a 16 year old!
Guess i’ve got a doppleganger, will have to re invent myself, you obviousley served, i did not( brought up by military family)
Will save confusion in future posts👍
Top man 😏 🇬🇧
say it fast 10 times, without any errors:
‘How many bears could Bear Grylls grill if Bear Grylls could grill bears?’
Bear is a total legend, he has the spirit that has made the British people capable of such greatness over the centuries, congratulations, great appointment. Our family in the UK have members who have done the 7 summits etc, so I know of it even if I’m a bit more hobbit-like!
Big Hairy Feet – and the like?
There has got to be an alternative to this honorary rank nonsense, I’d be embarrassed to stroll around sporting unearned rank on my chest.
It certainly is not nonsense. Those holding honorary military appointments do a terrific amount for the organisation they are appointed to…and don’t get paid for their trouble. They are hugely respected and admired by those in the organisation. Like Bear Grylls they are role models.
Presumably you disapprove of the King in Field Marshal’s uniform, the Princess of Wales wearing Colonel rank on a combat smock when visiting the Irish Guards etc?
I am guessing you did not serve and do not understand this?
Hello Graham, while not in the regular forces I did spend 4 years in the TA (which I joined while a student) finishing up as a Lieutenant in 103 Air Defence Regiment RA (209 Air Defence Battery) as a troop commander. Just be little careful in your assumptions is all I can say.
You are being intriguingly cryptic! My overall positive opinion on Royals and others who have achieved something significant in their working lives and who hold honorary military appointments and the honorary rank that goes with it and the work they do is longheld.
Do you object to honorary academic titles too?
He is a top man and very inseeational.
My old man was a Scout Leader and moaned his head off when Bear became Chief Scout as he thought he was a showboat and it was somehow an erosion of the old values. I kept telling him that Bear Grylls is keeping a tottering organisation relevant to kids now. He is very relateable.
Certainly seems a better choice than his predecessor (Blue Peter presenter).
I joined as a boy soldier 07/68 at the age of 15 in gaining a education trade and many skills certainly hard work but well worth the effort ethos of constantly learning even leaving Bramcote and going out to a regular unit I have no regrets only respect and thanks to my instructor’s