Army Training Centre Pirbright

Army Training Centre Pirbright
Name	Army Training Centre Pirbright
Location	Pirbright, Surrey, England
Type	British Army training centre
Built	1939
Used	1939 – present
Controlledby	British Army
Garrison	Army Training Regiment

Contents

History
Organisation and role
Training facilities
Courses and training pipeline
Notable personnel
See also

Army Training Centre Pirbright. It is a major British Army initial training establishment located in Pirbright, Surrey. The centre is responsible for delivering Phase 1 basic training to new recruits destined for combat arms and other support roles. Operated by the Army Training Regiment, it forms a crucial part of the United Kingdom's military training infrastructure, preparing soldiers for subsequent specialist training and operational duty.

History

The site's military use began in 1939 with the establishment of a camp for the British Expeditionary Force. Post-war, it evolved into a significant training location, notably for the Guards Division and later for the Women's Royal Army Corps. Throughout the Cold War, it adapted to train recruits for various NATO commitments. A major redevelopment in the early 21st century, part of the British Army basing plan, modernised its facilities, consolidating its role as a centralised training hub following the closure of other historic centres like Army Training Centre Lichfield.

Organisation and role

The centre is commanded by the Army Training Regiment, which falls under the wider Initial Training Group of the Army Recruiting and Training Division. Its primary mission is to conduct the fourteen-week Phase 1 training course, transforming civilians into disciplined soldiers. The training regimen instills core military skills, physical fitness, and the values and standards of the British Army. Pirbright specifically trains recruits for the Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Royal Signals, Army Air Corps, and several combat service support arms.

Training facilities

The centre encompasses a large, modern training estate designed to simulate challenging environments. Key facilities include extensive assault courses, live-firing ranges for weapons like the SA80 rifle, and immersive urban warfare training villages. The Pirbright Training Area offers varied terrain for fieldcraft exercises, while state-of-the-art classroom complexes and military simulation suites support theoretical instruction. On-site accommodation, dining facilities, and a large Regimental Headquarters building support the daily operation of the training pipeline.

Courses and training pipeline

All recruits undertake the standardised Common Military Syllabus (Recruit) which covers drill, weapon handling, first aid, and nuclear, biological, and chemical defence. Successful completion leads to the award of the Military Proficiency Certificate. Following Phase 1 at Pirbright, soldiers progress to Phase 2 training at their respective Corps schools, such as the Royal School of Artillery at Larkhill or the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham. The centre also delivers specific courses for Army Reserve recruits and conducts pre-Royal Military Academy Sandhurst courses for potential officers.

Notable personnel

Many distinguished soldiers began their careers at Pirbright. Johnson Beharry, awarded the Victoria Cross for actions in Al Amarah during the Iraq War, completed his initial training here. Senior officers like General Sir Nick Carter, former Chief of the Defence Staff, also passed through the centre. Notable alumni from its earlier incarnations include members of the Guards Division who served in conflicts from the Falklands War to operations in Afghanistan.