Army Foundation College

The Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, England, is the sole initial military training unit for British Army recruits who enlist aged between 16 and 17.5 years. AFC delivers two 'Phase 1' initial training courses: the 'long course' of 49 weeks, mainly for recruits in combat roles, and the 23-week 'short course' for recruits in most other roles. In addition to their military training, recruits are enrolled onto basic Functional Skills courses in English, maths, and ICT. Approximately 1,200 boys and 100 girls begin training at AFC annually, of whom approximately 500 are enrolled for the infantry. On average, 70% of recruits complete their course, then moving to other army units for their 'Phase 2' role-specific training. AFC is graded 'outstanding' for welfare by Ofsted but has also attracted criticism for the physical and sexual abuse of recruits, and high running costs, and racist abuse against black staff.