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 EthosThe 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 historyParas 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 EquipmentThe 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 RoversAlong 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 ProcessThe 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.
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