The parachute regiment is British Army's Airborne Infantry element.
It's an elite unit by the virtue of stringent selection procedure, the
rigorous training program and by the requirement of the role for
operation with minimal or no support at all behind the enemy lines also
against superior forces.
The
Modern day Para Regiment offers infantry to the air mobile rapid
developmental force of Great Britain and The 16 Air Assault Brigade.
The regiment is also known as 'The Paras' and was formed during World
War II. The Paras were dropped behind the German front line during
World War II in order to capture the key positions and then hold them
until rest of invasion force was able to catch up and support them.
The
regiment was formed with three regular battalions and one reserve- 1st
Battalion Parachute Regiment (1 Para) which is now a part of SFSG, 2nd
Battalion Parachute Regiment (2 Para), 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment
(3 Para) and 4th Battalion Parachute Regiment (4 Para). Each of the
battalion consists of about 550 men and these then form several
companies. The Paratroopers belonging to every Parachute Regiment would
wear the coloured coded Para Wings on their right arms in order to
identify them.
Para Regiment Ethos
The intensive training
and the regimental culture of the Paras would install in all the
troopers a fierce sense of aggression and confidence- qualities that
are essential for the airborne shock troopers.
The Para's
regimental motto is 'Utrinque Paratus'. The ethos, experience and
training would also make the Para an ideal candidate for the joining
the Special Air Service. It has been reported that SAS is made up of
over 55 percent of former Para troopers.
The Operational history
Paras
have always been at forefront of British actions in the World War II
and since the war. The Regiment further distinguished itself during
1982 in the Falklands conflicts where several battles were fought and
significantly won. Members of the 3 Para were deployed in more recent
times to Helmand Province, where the battles were fought with a number
of the Taliban forces. The Paras also provided continuing support to
the SBS (special boat service) and SAS (special air service) for
special operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Paratrooper Equipment
The
Parachute Regiment has been trained to be a self sufficient assaulting
force. Everything that is needed for operation would be lifted /
air-dropped into the action with men.
Land Rovers
Along
with the artillery mortars and units, Paras will often use a heavily
armed Land Rover. The WMIK Land Rover, as it is known, can be driven
within range of the weaponry that includes anti-tank missile launchers
and the anti aircraft missiles. The Anti tank missiles aren't just
effective against armour but it is also devastating against more
stationary locations such as bunkers.
A combination of mobility,
transportability and firepower are simply perfect for Para Regiment
whose sole aim, like the SAS, is to get in quick and with force.
The Selection Process
The
Paras needs to pass a number of of the initial British Army test that
is followed by the Para specific training and selection interviews,
with the interview being the most difficult part to pass. A paratrooper
must also display a high level of fitness at all time during the
selection process. You need to be the best of best to succeed.
This article has been written by Nick Redding and if you would like to read more about passing the parachute regiment then click here parachute regiment
