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Forces sweethearts

If you have a family member in the Royal Navy, RAF or army, find support from other Mumsnetters here.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

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Original poster

AFC Harrogate 2019

15 replies

WhisperingWitch · 11/08/2019 16:49

Hello, this is my first post. My daughter is going to afc Harrogate in September and I just wondered whether there are any other parents about to face a similar journey or have already been through who would like to chat, share tips etc?

OP posts:

MNHQ

FlissMumsnet · 12/08/2019 21:49

Hi WhisperingWitch,

We can't offer any pearls of wisdom about afc Harrogate but thought we'd drop in to say hello and to give this a bump for you.

Hopefully someone will be along with some useful advice shortly!

Original poster

WhisperingWitch · 13/08/2019 11:02

Thank you FlissMumsnet, and hello 😊

OP posts:

mirage937 · 20/08/2019 13:53

I recall a few years ago there was a regular poster who had triplets and one was going through AFC Harrogate as i recall reading quite a few of her posts. I dont have any direct experience but i think there is Facebook groups for parents and the ARRSE website maybe useful

MummytoCSJH · 31/08/2019 10:21

Hi. My younger sister is going in September, she's going into the Royal Artillery. I've pretty much raised her and Im so proud of her but I also feel sick! This is something she really wanted to do, I've encouraged and helped her and she's worked so hard. But as I plan her leaving party (and search mumsnet for threads like this!) I find myself feeling really sad. We've done a lot of research on what to expect but I'm going to miss her so much. How are you feeling?

Genvonklinkerhoffen · 31/08/2019 10:23

There's been quite a bit on twitter recently about AFC Harrogate. Not sure if you use it but could be worth a look.

Original poster

WhisperingWitch · 31/08/2019 11:18

Hi MummytoCSJH
My daughter will be in the Artillery too as she’s joining The King’s Troop. I feel quite mixed - proud but will miss her immensely! But she has to live her life and she knows that wherever I am it will be home 🤗I too am planning her leaving do. What date does your sister go to Harrogate?

OP posts:

MummytoCSJH · 31/08/2019 12:03

I'm not sure exactly what part she's in, she knows a lot more about it than me haha. She originally went for infantry, and got the requirements but there were no spaces by the time she got her offer (she had to go to Edinburgh a second time due to something the GP put wrong on her medical form). She goes to Harrogate on the 23rd September. It will be an emotional first 6 weeks for all of us as she's quite a homebird - never even liked sleepovers at friends houses! Just have to remember that this is what she wants and has worked for but as you say, we will always be here if she needs us or wants to come home.

Original poster

WhisperingWitch · 31/08/2019 12:16

Thank you Genvonklinkerhoffen, I’ll have a look 😊

OP posts:

martingoresnipplechain · 31/08/2019 20:28

I left home and joined the Army at 17 (at Pirbright however) and my sibling left home at 16 and went to Harrogate. This was in 2012 and 2014 respectively so not particularly recent but happy to answer any questions if I can.

Grey7841 · 01/09/2019 15:55

martingoresnipplechain

Do you think youd struggle if you were more quiet individual, DN is quite interested in applying but Dsis thinks she is too much of a quiet/shy person but i thought the training would help confidence etc

If you had chance again would you still join and anything youd do differently or recommend ?

martingoresnipplechain · 01/09/2019 19:39

@Grey7841 I don't think you necessarily struggle more if you tend to be more introverted, and to be honest, the training brings you out of your shell without you even realising it. You have to live in such close proximity to others (11 in my section and room in ATC Pirbright) that you can't really help but make friends and bond with the others if that makes sense? I'm struggling to articulate it properly but in short - no I don't think being quieter/more shy than others means you are guaranteed to struggle more.

martingoresnipplechain · 01/09/2019 19:44

@Grey7841 sorry pressed post too soon.
If I had my chance again I wouldn't have done anything differently. I stayed in for 5 years and I made friends for life and experienced so much that otherwise I would not have had the chance to (living abroad being the main one). I also met my husband when I was still serving, so despite me not being in any more, I live in army quarters and I love the lifestyle. It comes with its difficulties for sure, but the benefits outweigh them.

Original poster

WhisperingWitch · 02/09/2019 07:12

@martingoresnipplechain,
Can you remember when your sibling went to afc Harrogate, how long did it take for them to get their final offer of employment? My daughter is still waiting and she goes in in a couple of weeks! 🤪😊

OP posts:

MummytoCSJH · 22/09/2019 11:51

Today is the day. I'm heartbroken and insanely proud at the same time.

martingoresnipplechain · 03/10/2019 13:36

Oh no I never saw any notifications from this thread, sorry I never replied! @MummytoCSJH how is she getting on? X

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