GIRLS are outgunning the boys when it comes to signing up for new Army courses.

They are leading the way at Kingston Maurward College where two thirds of the applicants for the Army Preparation Course courses are female.

Nichole Brookman, 17, from Weymouth, has become the first girl to complete the 14-week course.

Now she has joined the Army and is about to start basic training after impressing chiefs with top marks in the Kingston Maurward qualification.

Nichole said: “I really enjoyed the drills and the fitness training on the course.

“I’m not afraid of being in a combat zone and would like to become a physical training instructor in the Army.”

Nichole’s success has inspired other young women considering a career in the Armed Forces, with two-thirds of applicants for the next college course from women.

Course tutor Emma Walsh, who is in the Territorial Army, said students were put through a variety of disciplines at the college.

She said: “We really worked on getting their fitness up to the benchmark, regularly testing the students, setting goals and pushing them hard so they meet the standards needed.

“Their weeks at college were spent completing timed runs, circuit training, drill training, fitness testing and navigation exercises.

“They’ve also been taking part in some adventurous activities including canoeing, climbing, and high ropes.”

The students spent a week of the course at Okehampton being put through their paces by military personnel.

Emma said: “Carrying full military equipment, the trainee soldiers carried out mock exercises doing recce patrols, marching and shooting, and sleeping in Army bashas while taking it in turns being on stag through the night.

“Though they were tired out by the end of it they all found it to be a rewarding experience.”

The remainder of the time at college was spent in the classroom working on skills and learning about the Army.

The Army Preparation Course (APC) is designed to teach students the necessary skills to pass at the Army Development and Selection Centre (ADSC).

The course is a level 1 qualification and includes teambuilding, military skills, fitness training and outdoor adventure pursuits.