Trooper Gabriel Gbadebo, joined with other London Army Reserve Recruits and their regular Army counterparts at a pass off parade in front of Inspecting Officer His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent at the Army Training Centre (ATC) in Pirbright last week. 

The 95-strong parade, which marked the successful completion of Phase One Training for new Army recruits from the regular and reserve force, included 42 reserve recruits, the majority of which came from the City of London’s Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) and 151 London Transport Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (RLC).

The London based reserve recruits spent two weeks learning everything about the Army’s Values and Standards, Regimental and Corps history, first aid, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear drills, range work and bayonet practise.

They have also undergone rigorous physical training, perfected their drill and endured a 48 hour field exercise. 

Trooper Gbadebo, 23, who lives in South Oxhey, has joined 240 Transport Squadron in Barnet, part of 151 London Transport Regiment Royal RLC. 

As a Human Resources Officer at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, he joined the Army Reserve to challenge himself.

He said: "I wanted to see if I was good enough to serve alongside the Regular Army and those who serve their country and I’m so proud to have passed this Phase One Training.

"The training you get with the Army puts you under pressure, and teaches you to multi-task in the most dangerous situations and requires excellent teamwork skills.  I hope that being a Reservist will help to improve my character and that I’ll become more employable with extra edge and life experience. "

Prince Michael of Kent addressed the troops and guests who included families and friends of the recruits. 

He said "I would like to congratulate everyone on their turn out and bearing on parade today - a proud day for families and friends.  

"Today marks an end of basic training and begins a new chapter in your lives.  When you join your regiments and corps take pride in your achievements...These are challenging times and you’ll soon be playing your full part."