Featured

combat
Soldier
Reserve

Paratrooper - Reserve

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?

Infantry

Starting day rate
£63.27
Age range
18 - 39

Apply now

Role details

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

Entry Requirements

Age

You can join between the ages of 18 – 39. At the time of your application you will need to be between 17 years & 9 months old and 38 years old .

You must apply before you turn 38 years old, and then pass P Company before your 40th birthday. If you have previously passed P Company then we may consider you if you are older.

Fitness

Mid Thigh Pull 76kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 8 min 25 sec

More information about the fitness test

Education

No formal qualifications needed

Need help?

Unsure about requirements? Your local Army Reserve unit can help you.

Find a Reserve unit

About the Role

Infantry

The Infantry are ready to protect the nation, prevent conflict, fight the nation’s enemies and deal with disaster at home or overseas.

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.

Soldier in helmet and camo paint with the words Would you go for it?

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

Training

You must apply before you turn 38 years old, and then pass P Company before your 40th birthday. If you have previously passed P Company then we may consider you if you are older.

Step 1
You start Basic Training, this consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.

Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre.
Module 2: Battlecamp. A further 6 alternative weekends at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.

Step 2
You will attend a two-week Combat Infantryman’s Course in Catterick, North Yorkshire, where you will be assessed by Regular Parachute Regiment P Company Staff.

Step 3
You will attend five weekends of Pre-Parachute Selection training and 11 training evenings in your local Army Reserve Centre before you attempt to pass the Parachute Regiment Selection tests and earn the right to wear the coveted maroon beret of a Parachute Regiment Soldier.

Step 4
You will attend a Basic Parachute Course at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, where you will earn the right to wear the famous British Army Parachute Wings on your shoulder. You will now start to enhance the many and varied skills required to be an Airborne Infantry Soldier.

4 PARA recruits nationwide with locations in Glasgow & Edinburgh (A Company), White City London, Croydon & Romford (B Company), Pudsey & Hebburn (C Company) and Nottingham & Newport (D Company).

Pay and Benefits

Qualifications You'll Earn

Your application journey

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of at least 6 months.

Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

1.1-2 days

Online application

Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.

Ask a Soldier

Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.

Ask a question

What is Reservist training like

Most Reservists train one evening a week and one or two weekends a month alongside their civilian job.
One week I could be map reading, one week I could be doing rifle training, another week we might have fitness.

Reservist training fits around your life, with regular sessions in the evenings and longer training on some weekends. You’ll build skills step by step, alongside people balancing jobs, study and family life.

Cameron J

Infantry Reservist

What’s life like in the Infantry?

The Infantry, it is the tip of the spear and of the highest operational importance to the British Army. Because of this the combat training you will receive is second to none. Obviously there are variables but as a whole being Infantry means that you would be the fittest, most robust and demonstrate the highest level skill at arms amongst your colleagues outside of the Infantry.
The great thing about this job is that after completing basic training, you have already become a specialist in combat.

Life in the Infantry is built around teamwork, training and being ready to deploy. It’s active, varied and focused on working closely with your team, whether you’re training in the UK or operating overseas.

Steven

Light Role Infantryman

What challenges will I face in the Infantry?

The challenges of an Infantry Soldier vary tremendously.
Everything you do for the first time will be a challenge… but that is the best part, you learn from it, grow and develop. In every role or rank you find yourself in there will be new challenges, more experience gained and with that much more job satisfaction. You are always learning.

You’ll face physical and mental challenges in the Infantry, from demanding training to operating in tough environments. But with the support of your team and the training you receive, you’ll build the confidence and resilience to overcome them.

Liam

Guardsman

What's it like for women in the Infantry?

I was attached to an infantry unit and it is very physically demanding. As you can imagine, they are very fit and strong. But do not let it hinder you! I had a lot of fun and went on some very good exercises aboard with them

Women in the Infantry meet the same standards as everyone else, and the role is physically demanding. But with the right training, support and determination, many are succeeding and building strong, professional careers alongside their peers.

Holly

HR Specialist

Your future starts here

Every Reserve Paratrooper started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.

Apply now

Not ready to apply? Get in touch

Contact us

0345 600 8080

Find your local Reserve Centre

Find Reserve Unit

Find recruiting centre

Full time opportunity

This role is also available in the Regular Army

Serve full time as a Paratrooper and be part of a team serving the country. Get comprehensive training, competitive salary and opportunities to serve around the world.

Commitment

Full time

Training

Full training & other qualifications

View Regular role information

Benefits of Regular Army

Travel & adventure
Gain world-class training
Free gyms & healthcare
Cheaper housing
30 days annual leave

More about Regular Army

Ready to start your Infantry journey?

Apply now

Paratrooper - Reserve

Role details

Entry Requirements

Age

Fitness

Education

Need help?

About the Role

Infantry

Key responsibilities

Training

Pay and Benefits

Qualifications You'll Earn

Your application journey

Online application

Meet your unit

Medical Checks

Assessment centre

Security clearance

Ask a Soldier

What is Reservist training like

What’s life like in the Infantry?

What challenges will I face in the Infantry?

What's it like for women in the Infantry?

Your future starts here

Not ready to apply? Get in touch

Contact us

Find your local Reserve Centre

This role is also available in the Regular Army

Commitment

Training

Benefits of Regular Army

Ready to start your Infantry journey?