The Paras
The Parachute Regiment 'Utrinque Paratus'
The Parachute Regiment was formed in 1942. Following the success of the German Airborne operations during the Blitzkrieg of Europe, the need for a flexible, strong and aggressive force was identified by the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, who ordered that a Corps of at least 5,000 Airborne troops be formed. This new force would have the task of taking the battle directly to the enemy. That force became the Parachute Regiment. Aggression and fighting ability have been the hallmarks of the Paras ever since.
Since its formation the Parachute Regiment has served with distinction and valour in many theatres of conflict. These include Bahrain, Radfan, Suez, Malaya and the Falklands. More recently the Regiment has served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Macedonia, Afghanistan and the Gulf. The fighting spirit of the Paras is as alive today as it was 60 years ago and will remain the cutting edge of the British Army as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade.
What manner of men are these who wear the Maroon Beret?
They are firstly, all volunteers and are then toughened by hard physical training. As a result they have that infectious optimism and that offensive eagerness which comes from physical well being. They have jumped from the air and by doing so have conquered fear.
Their duty lies in the van of battle; they are proud of this honour and have never failed in any task. They have the highest standards in all things whether it is skills in battle or smartness in the execution of all peacetime duties.
They have shown themselves to be as tenacious and determined in defence as they are courageous in attack. They are in fact, men apart - every man an Emperor.
Of all the factors, which make for success in battle, the spirit of the warrior is the most decisive. That spirit will be found in full measure in the men who wear the Maroon Beret.
Montgomery of El Alamein
It's not all hard work, we have fun too. The hardest time of your life will undoubtedly be your early training, unless you find yourself on active operations. Once you have joined one of our three Battalions, you will find that we play hard too. Sport and adventurous training are regular activities and the Regiment prides itself in having members in various national and international teams. You will also get to travel - particularly on exercises, which are often overseas; you may find yourself in the tropics, the desert or even the Arctic and get to train with other nations airborne troops.
Spend a weekend with the Paras
If you are interested in a career in the Parachute Regiment, then why not take part in a free 'insight weekend' at the Parachute Regiment's Headquarters in Colchester ? Courses provide a no-obligation insight into life in the Parachute Regiment and are aimed at men aged between 16 – 26.
Courses are free to attend and include free travel.
During an insight weekend you will experience:
- Simulated parachute training
- Equipment and weapons familiarisation
- Introduction to fitness
- Introduction to the Parachute Regiment
To arrange your place on a Parachute Regiment insight weekend, contact the Recruiting Team on:
Tel: 01206 782 343
e-mail: recruiting@parachute-regiment.com
or visit the Parachute Regiment's official website:
www.parachute-regiment.com