CHARLIE Silver has spent years dreaming of becoming a soldier.
When he was 16 he signed up for the selection progress – and knew things would be tough because he was diagnosed with behaviour disorder Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when he was seven.
And to pass the army’s medical test he had to come off his medication and prove he was determined enough to carry on.
Now the 21-year-old, of Rownhams Road, Leigh Park, is celebrating after he became one of the army’s latest recruits.
Yesterday he was joined by his family as he swore an oath of allegiance to the Queen as part of his entry at Territorial Army Centre, in Hilsea, Portsmouth.
Six others were also announced as new recruits.
They will now embark on a 28-week training course in Catterick, North Yorkshire, before becoming infantry soldiers.
Charlie said: ‘I knew it was going to be harder for me than some of the others.
‘But being a soldier in the army is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.
‘I think ADHD is condition that you slowly grow out of. I can’t wait for the next challenge.’
Charlie’s mum Carol, 47, said: ‘All the family are extremely proud of him.’
Army careers advisor Major Steve Ansell said: ‘It’s a great honour to welcome our new recruits.
‘This is an organisation with very high standards and it’s up to them to work towards those standards.’
Comments