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Paratrooper
As an Infantry Soldier in the Parachute Regiment, you will be part of the Army’s Global Response Force, protecting the nation and preventing conflict. You'll be held at very high readiness, primed to respond to emerging crises worldwide. Have you got what it takes to stand out from the rest and become a Paratrooper?
Starting salary
£26,334
Age range
16 to 35.6
Role details
Age
To apply for this position, you must be between 16 years old and 35 years & 6 months old at the time of your application.
Fitness
Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 8 min 25 sec
Education
No formal qualifications needed
Need help?
Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.
Highly skilled. Extremely fit. Always ready for the next challenge. The Parachute Regiment provides the Airborne or Parachute Infantry of the British Army. As a 'Para' you will be in one of our high-readiness battalions, ready be the first to deploy anywhere in the world. You will need to be able to build and maintain a very high level of fitness, and pass the demanding P Company selection test before you begin parachute training and earn the privilege of wearing the Regiment's maroon beret.
From disaster relief to protecting the nation, for our close combat professionals nothing compares to life in the Infantry. You’ll be at the heart of the action, working to keep vulnerable communities safe and prevent conflict. This is what doing something that really matters looks like. No matter what you’re doing or where you are in the world, you’ll work and train alongside other highly skilled Infanteers. They’re there to help you through whatever life throws at you, on operations, on exercise or on the sports field. It’s belonging like nothing else; and they’ll become friends for life. With the chance to gain qualifications, you will learn and move up the ranks too.
Key Responsibilities
Train to join one of the British Army’s unique Airborne Infantry battalions
Become a qualified parachutist, which attracts additional specialist pay
Be part of the UK’s high-readiness forces, trained and ready to deploy first in times of emergency
Master a number of weapons, including SA80 Rifle, Underslung Grenade Launcher, Light Support Weapon and the Light Mortar
Deploy around the world on everything from frontline operations to disaster relief missions
Train routinely alongside airborne forces from the United States, France and other NATO countries
Work in a close-knit team and make friends for life
Get promoted into a huge variety of specialist Infantry roles and eventually advise senior officers
Learn to parachute and join one of the British Army’s elite organisations
Step 1
On passing the initial interview at an Assessment Centre, you will attend the Parachute Regiment Aptitude Course to confirm you have the right qualities and basic level of fitness to start PARA training. You will then start the 30-week PARA Combat Infantry Course at Catterick. This includes your Basic training and Infantry Initial Trade Training, plus the famous P Company training and tests. Your instructors will coach you through progressive training where you will learn essential skills such as firing weapons, survival, first aid and map reading while building stamina and fitness.
If you’re aged under 17 years and 6 months, you’ll do your Basic Training at the Army Foundation College Harrogate. You’ll then go to Catterick to complete your Infantry Initial Trade Training.
Step 2
You will do a three-week parachuting course and join your battalion as a fully trained soldier, wearing your Wings with pride.
You'll earn £26,334 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.
There are significant benefits including subsidised meals and low cost accommodation, as well as free medical and dental care. In addition, when deployed on exercise or on operations, normally you would not pay for either food or accommodation.
Vocational driving licences.
Level 2 HM Forces Serviceperson (Protective Services) Apprenticeship.
Leadership and Management qualifications to degree level.
Assessor qualifications.
Coaching and mentoring.
Adventure Training Qualifications (Canoeing, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Mountain Climbing, Summer Mountain Training).
Parachuting Level 2.