A group of young military engineers are celebrating in Moray after successfully completing a gruelling five-week course.
A total of 48 promising sappers were originally selected for what is known as the “potential non-commissioned cadre”, which is designed to prepare them for promotion in the future.
Of these, 35 made it through the intensive course to be present at the passing out parade held at Kinloss Barracks yesterday.
The three top sappers – Mitchell Aries, 24, Ashley Haworth, 25, Joshua Thomas, 21 – were all promoted immediately to the rank of lance corporal.
Newly promoted L/C Aries, of 39 Engineer Regiment, who came first in the course, said: “We didn’t know for sure until our names were read out, so it was a bit nerve wracking.
“It was a long month of getting up at 5.30am and not going to bed until nearly midnight without any days off.
“However it was really useful and informative, too. I know that we all learned a lot.”
As well as undergoing a series of physical training exercises, their leadership qualities were also repeatedly tested under extreme conditions.
Apart from tasks at Kinloss Barracks and the Barry Buddon Training Centre near Dundee, the course also included an out-of-bounds exercise at Garelochhead Head on the west coast.
The parade was reviewed by Brigadier David Southall. Addressing the personnel, he said: “You’ve moved up the first rung of the ladder. I’m sure that some of you will move up several more during your careers.
“And although you might not admit it now, in years to come I think you’ll look back and thank the staff who ran this course.”
Referring to the upcoming withdrawal from Afghanistan, he said: “The military is shrinking at the moment and our areas of operation are changing.
“However, the world continues to be a very unpredictable place.
“The challenges you will face in the upcoming years will be just as difficult and tough.”