Anyone been to an army passing out parade?

[Passingout]

Our son is passing out after his initial training in the army soon. We’re struggling to get much info from him about what to expect! 🙈 Has anyone been to one and can advise on what to wear? Is there lots of hanging around so we need flat shoes? Guessing we might be outside lots so will need something warm and an umbrella? Any other pointers? Thank you!

Hi. We went to our son-in-law’s passing out parade. We stopped en route for a cooked breakfast and a hot drink (it was a 4.5 hour journey) and glad we did as it was a very long day (it was wonderful though!) Yes to a warm coat, umbrella and comfy shoes as lots of waiting around outside. Be prepared to do quite a bit of hanging around waiting for photos to be taken etc. Also we took bottles of water and snacks.

We watched our s-i-l march in formation with his peers on the square. It was Christmas time and the military band played carols for the parade. I shed a few tears and we were all so proud.

We were made to feel very welcome by the army officers and RSM officiating and had a truly memorable day. Hope you have a lovely day.

I went to my then boyfriends but that was 30 years ago. Yes to comfy shoes and warm clothes. Yes to hanging around but I don't remember it going on for that long.

We wore smart clothing, our men wore suits, but there was a mixture between the other people there.
Comfy shoes. It was nice weather so didn’t have to worry about rain or cold.

Lots of marching around and trying to work out which person was ours!

You will find yourself hanging about but the Army do this all the time and there will be facilities but be prepared for a bit of a wait and (of course) inclement weather.
Try to look smart, your son will be so try to do him proud. Unfortunately, some don't bother and it sort of takes the shine off the event. The Army knows how to put on a really good show and it is a major step at the beginning of your son's career so make him as proud of you as you are of him.👍

My M&D came to my passing out parade some 38yrs ago and were made to feel sooooo welcome by the Senior NCO's.
Of course I had already given the car reg etc so they knew immediately who they were when they turned up at the guard room (also there was an unmistakable family resemblance☺️) but they were welcomed with hearty handshakes, an unofficial tour of the establishment, a personal escort to the parade ground and best seats (I was being awarded best recruit so maybe they got special treatment?).
I think it reminded my Ddad of his National Service days (although there were not so many female soldiers in his day!😆) and my Dmum was just so proud.

My son passed out 2 years ago in march at Catterick. We had to walk for 5 minutes to get from the carpark to the parade Square. You are outside but under a shelter and it was breezy and a but chilly. We had some waiting around for everyone to get into position (officers etc). The whole parade lasted 45 Minutes with medals/prize giving etc. It was a fabulous and very proud day. After the parade your son would be able to come to you in the stands for photos etc and to say good byes as our son came home on leave straight after before joining his battalion a week later. My younger son has just gone to Pirbright and so I'm sure his pass out parade will be different as its a different ATC but I wouldn't imagine by much. Make sure you take plenty of tissues and full battery on your phone/camera. It's a memorable emotion fueled day.

Also to add at Catterick there were porter loos in the carpark and hot drinks and juice in the parade Square. We didn't get much info on the day itself until we got there and was given an order of service in the stands.