The Parachute Regiment (Paras)

The Parachute Regiment, or 'The Paras', was formed during World War 2. Designed as shock troops, Paras were dropped behind German front lines to capture key positions then hold them until the rest of the invasion force could link up with them. The modern day Parachute Regiment provides infantry to Britain's air mobile rapid deployment force, 16 Air Assault Brigade and specialised infantry support to British special forces.

3 Para soldiers and their WMIK Land Rover pictured during Operation Telic, Iraq, 2003
(click for fullsize image)
more parachute regiment photos

The Parachute Regiment is formed from 3 regular battalions and 1 reserve.

• 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment
  (1 Para)
  (now part of the SFSG)
• 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment
  (2 Para)
• 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment
  (3 Para)
• 4th Battalion Parachute Regiment (4 Para)

1 Para has now been assigned to the Special Forces Support Group and come under the control of the UKSF directorate.

2 & 3 Para provide troops for 16 Air Assault Brigade.

4 Para are a territorial unit who provide reserves to 2 and 3 Para.

more info : 4 Para

Each regular battalion contains around 550 men and consists of several companies (coys):

• Headquarters (HQ) Company
  Command and logistics.
• 3 Rifle Companies
  The main assault units are each comprised of 3 platoons with each platoon formed from 3 sections.
• Support Company
  Support Coy provides both direct and indirect fire support to the Rifle Companies and is comprised of 3 platoons:
  • Machine Gun Platoon
    direct fire support from GPMGs and HMGs
  • Mortar Platoon
    indirect fire support from 81mm Mortars
  • Anti-Tank Platoon
    now armed with the advanced Javelin anti-tank missile system
• D (Patrols) Company
  Patrols Coy carries out a reconnaissance role for the Battalion.
  A signals platoon within D (Patrols) Coy provides communications support.

Drop Zone Flashes

Paratroopers from each Parachute Regiment batallion wear colour-coded flashes below their Para Wings on their right arms to identify them.

1 Para	2 Para	3 Para	4 Para

Paras perform a static-line jump from a C-130 Hercules cargo plane

Parachute Regiment Ethos

The Paras' intensive training and regimental culture instills in them a fierce sense of confidence and aggression - qualities essential for airborne shock troops. The Para's regimental motto is “’Utrinque Paratus’ (‘Ready for Anything’). Their ethos, training and experience makes a Para an ideal candidate for joining the Special Air Service. It's been reported that the SAS is now made up of close to 60% ex-Paras.

Operational History

The Paras have been at the forefront of many British actions in World War 2 and onwards. The Parachute Regiment further distinguished itself during the 1982 Falklands conflict, where they fought and won several key battles. Members of 3 Para were recently (2006) deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan where they fought almost daily battles with Taliban forces. Paras in the SFSG provide continuing support to SAS and SBS operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Some notable Parachute Regiment operations include:

• 1982 - Operation Corporate
  The Parachute Regiment in the Falklands Conflict
  
  
• 1999 - Operation Agricola
  The Paras in Kosovo
  
  
• 2000 - Operation Palliser
  1 Para Battle Group in Sierra Leone
  
  
• 2001 - Operation Essential Harvest
  2 Para, as part of 16 AA Bde, took part in the NATO operation to gather and destroy the weapons of ethnic Albanian groups in Macedonia.
  (view photos here and here)
  
  
• 2002 - Operation Veritas
  As part of NATO efforts to stabilize Afghanistan (ISAF), 2 Para deployed to the capital, Kabul.
  
  
• 2003 - Operation Telic
  1 and 3 Para, reinforced by 100+ troops from 4 Para, deploy with 16 Air Assault Brigade for the British part in the US-led invasion of Iraq.
  
  
• 2006 - Operation Herrick IV
  3 Para, at the core of 3 Para Battle Group, deploy to Helmand Province, Afghanistan as part of ongoing NATO stabilization and reconstruction efforts in the region.
  3 Para - Operation Herric IV
  Pathfinder operations in Afghanistan, 06

Parachute Regiment Equipment

The Parachute Regiment is designed as a self-sufficient assault force. Everything needed for an operation is air-dropped / lifted into action with the men.

WMIK Land Rovers

Along with artillery units and mortars, the Paras bring along heavily armed WMIK (Weapon Mount Installation Kit) Land Rovers. WMIKs can be fitted with a range of weaponry including GPMGs, .50 cal HMGs, Milan anti-tank missiles launchers and anti-aircraft (SAM) missiles. Milan Anti-Tank missiles are not only effective against armour but are devastating when used against bunkers and dug-in positions. The combination of transportability, mobility and firepower are perfect for the Parachute Regiment who like to get in quick and hit hard.

Supacat ATMP

These 6x6 versatile all-terrain vehicles are used as troop carriers by the Paras.

more info : the ATMP

Parachute Regiment Selection

Paras must pass a series of initial British Army tests, followed by Para-specific selection and training.

more info : Parachute Regiment selection

more info : Pre-Parachute Selection (PPS)

Pathfinder Platoon

The Pathfinder Platoon is a special reconnaissance force made up of Paras integrated into 16 Air Assault Brigade.

more info : Pathfinder Platoon

Red Devils

Members of the Parachute Regiment form 'The Red Devils', the renowned parachute display team.
(view photo here)