A soldier who began his career as a teenager on a parade square returned more than 18 years later as an Inspecting Officer.
Major Kidane 'Danny' Cousland, now Commander of 21 (Gibraltar 1779-83) Air Assault Battery of 32 Regiment Royal Artillery, served as Inspecting Officer at a graduation parade at the Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate on 6 August.
It was the same place where he started his military journey more than 18 years ago.
Major Cousland said: "It’s touching to see the families, bursting with pride, and young people with their chests out, chins up and full of confidence.
"I remember that same hope, the desire to serve and the realisation that, as one race finishes, the next race begins."
The 35-year-old, born in Tottenham and raised across London, overcame a difficult childhood and undiagnosed learning difficulties.
He credited the college with giving him the opportunity to unlock his potential, saying it gave him "consistency, and a path to follow, with predictable results".
He added: "If I work hard, I will succeed.
"It was down to me.
"The Army gave me control of my future."
Major Cousland has since built a distinguished military career, serving in Afghanistan, earning a Green Beret, and being awarded an MBE for establishing the Defence Rastafarian Network.
Returning to AFC Harrogate, he offered advice to the newest graduates.
He said: "Work hard, be honest, help those around you and have fun.
"The most important skill for soldiering is the ability to learn.
"You will get things wrong and make mistakes, so long as you learn, you’ve never truly failed.
"Embrace the opportunity to learn and invest in yourself. It’s one of the rare opportunities that is simply win-win."