PARENTS Traci and Mark Duffy shed tears of pride as they watched their triplets – Lauren, Mirran and Connor – realise their lifelong ambition to serve in the British Army.

The trio, who were born nine weeks prematurely, wanted to follow in mum and dad’s footsteps from an early age, and all attended the Military Preparation College in Farnborough to kick off their military careers.

They passed out from AFC Harrogate earlier this year to become the first set of triplets to join up together.

Speaking exclusively to Army&You, Mirran said: “Our parents were both in the military so it has always been a big part of our lives.

“We knew from an early age that it was what we wanted to do, and all signed up with the Military Preparation College to make sure we were ready.”

All quiet at home

The Duffy household is going to be quiet now and mum Traci, a former soldier with the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, admitted that no amount of Army training could have prepared her for having triplets.

“We’re immensely proud of what they have achieved,” she added. “There were tears of pride as we watched them march off the parade square – although my husband will deny this until his dying day!

“We’ve given them advice aplenty but the most pertinent is to always try, never let the fear of failing put you off.”

Strong characters

Dad Mark, who is RSM of 16 Medical Regiment, said his children now stand a little taller having gained so much from their time at the AFC.

“Training has been challenging and fun in various degrees and each has found themselves pushed beyond their own understanding of their limits,” he explained.

“There have been lows too – Mirran splitting her knee open for example – but they have cracked on showing a strength of character that they probably didn’t realise they had.”

The triplets have now joined their units for Phase 2 training. Connor has gone to the Army Air Corps, Mirran is a medic with the Royal Army Medical Corps and Lauren has joined the Royal Logistic Corps to be a logistic supply specialist.

Inspired? Go to www.army.mod.uk/join to find out more about Army careers or visit www.mpct.co.uk for information on Military Preparation Colleges around the UK.

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