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.

Parachute Regiment Selection

Those wishing to join the 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)

Parachute Regiment Organization

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

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

1 PARA is 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 integrated into 2 and 3 PARA.

PARA Battalion ORBATs

1, 2 and 3 PARA's order of battle (ORBAT) are slightly different to each other.

1 PARA ORBAT

See SFSG section for details

*note: 2 and 3 PARA ORBATs are currently undergoing restructing as part of the ARMY 2020 program.

2 PARA ORBAT

• A (Command) Company
  Battalion Headquarters (BHQ)
  • Intelligence Section
  • Training Wing
  • Patrols Platoon
    Battalion-level recce
  • Signals Platoon
  • Assault Engineer (AE) Section
  • Provost Staff (Military Police)
  • Sniper Platoon
    8 x 2-man teams using L115a3 sniper rifles
• Headquarters Company
  Provides logistic, medical and admin support to BHQ
  • Quartermasters
  • Motor Transport Platoon
  • Regimental Administration Office
  • Regiment Aid Post
  • Catering Platoon
• 3 Rifle Companies
  B, C & D Coys provide the main assault units and are each comprised of a Company HQ and 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 an HQ element and several 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 Javelin anti-tank missile system (previously Milan)

3 PARA ORBAT

• D (ISTAR) Company
  (same as 2 PARA A (Command) Company)
• Headquarters Company
  (same as 2 PARA)
• 3 Rifle Companies
  A, B & C Coys. B Coy includes No. 6 (Guards Parachute) Platoon, which is drawn from the 5 Foot Guards regiments.
• Support Company
  (same as 2 PARA)

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

Parachute Regiment Video

more Paras videos

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

Pathfinder Platoon

The Pathfinder Platoon is a special reconnaissance force made up of (mostly) 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)