Basingstoke recruit takes Oath of Allegiance (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Craig Sinclair among those taking part in traditional parade

5:00pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in Local By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

NEW army recruits from the Basingstoke area have taken the Oath of Allegiance at a special ceremony.

The eight men, including 21-year-old Craig Sinclair, from Basingstoke, took part in a traditional entry Attestation Parade in front of friends and family at the Army Careers Information Officer, in Aldershot.

Aged between 16 and 24, the new recruits will now embark on training courses that range in length, depending on their chosen job.

They will go through military, leadership and vocational training, helping them to gain the soldiering skills they need before moving to their selected regiments and corps.

Craig said: “I am so proud to have pledged my oath to The Queen and to have officially entered the army. While I do have a few nerves, I’m really excited and can’t wait to get training – joining the army really is my ideal career path.”

Captain Louise Bates, area recruiting officer, said: “It is an honour and a privilege to carry out the Oath of Allegiance ceremony for these eight young men, ahead of them starting their army training.

“It will no doubt be challenging but is also an extremely rewarding career to have chosen, with so many opportunities for travel, training, sport and promotion.

“I’m very proud to have witnessed the passion and determination of these young recruits. I wish them the very best of luck in their future careers with the army.”