P (Pegasus) Company
The aim of P Company is to test physical fitness, determination and mental robustness, under conditions of stress, to determine whether an individual has the self discipline and motivation for service with Airborne Forces.
In order to serve in an airborne post within 216 Signal Squadron officers and soldiers have to undertake 5 weeks of training and testing which is split into 2 phases.
This takes place before they can attend basic military parachute training. The pre-parachute training they attend is designed to stretch them physically and mentally and prepare them for the rigours of military parachuting.
All those that attend the course are volunteers and they will cover numerous miles running and tabbing during this training. Tabbing is short for tactical advance to battle and is normally completed carrying approximately 45lbs.
Unit Preparation Course (UPC)
The first phase for Royal Signals officers and soldiers is the Unit Preparation Course (UPC) run by the Training Wing 216 Signal Squadron. ts aim is to ensure that individuals are sufficiently prepared to attend the All Arms Pre Parachute Selection Course (AAPPS) in Catterick, which is commonly referred to as P Company.
The UPC is designed to hone fitness, and give the volunteers an insight into the nature of the tests conducted at Catterick. It is not an opportunity to get fit.
The Unit Assessment Course assembles two weeks prior to AAPPS. After an initial fitness assessment the course builds on fitness and stamina levels preparing students for sustained physical training. Circuit training, running, and a series of tabs increasing in distance are carried out to build the individual and develop course and team spirit.
The fitness training ends on the Thursday of week 2 giving students a couple of days rest before reporting to P Company on the Sunday. Only those that are deemed 'ready', and medically fit will go forward to Catterick.
All Arms Pre Parachute Selection Course
The second phase is AAPPS. The aim of P Company is to 'test physical fitness, determination and mental robustness, under conditions of stress, to determine whether an individual has the self discipline and motivation for service with Airborne Forces'.
It is split into three stages;
Stage 1 screening
Stage 2 Build Up
Stage 3 Test Week
Screening is conducted on the first day, and gives the individual the opportunity to earn their place on 'P' Company. Individuals have to complete an 8-mile speed march, a 1.5 mile run (in under 9 mins 30 secs) and pass part of the aerial confidence course (the trainasium).
Those not up to the required standard are removed form the course.
The build up phase lasts for 21 weeks and is a progressive physical build up prior to Test Week. It includes a military skills revision/instructional package.
This part of the course starts hard and fast. The first week is designed to weed out those that cannot make the grade or do not have the will to succeed. For many it is the hardest part of the course.
Building cardiovascular fitness with a mixture of long runs, tabs, and introductions to burdens such as the log and stretcher. During this stage of the course volunteers are given an introduction and insight into everything that will take place during test week.
Test Week comprises eight separate tests over a four and a half day period. In order to pass, individuals conduct speed and endurance marches that range from 2 to 20 miles. In addition to competing individually in the milling and steeplechase race, teamwork is an important part of the course and is tested on the log and stretcher race.
Everyone that completes the course will state that one event harder than all the rest, for many it is the log race. For those that earn the right to go onto parachute training, there is an obvious pride and well-deserved sense of achievement. One of the hardest things to do is volunteer.
If you have any aspirations to serve with 216 Signal Squadron then train hard, ensure you possess the right mental attitude, and Go To It. The procedure for application and attendance is simple. Soldiers or officers must complete an Annex M to AGAIs, Chp 43 and send this to Royal Signals APC. At the same time, a copy of this form should be faxed through to 216 Signal Squadron Training Wing on (94651) 2740.
Personnel will then be loaded onto the next available UPC. Approximately one month prior to attending the UPC personnel will be sent their joining instructions.
The UPC aims to prepare students both mentally and physically for P Company, it is not an opportunity to get fit. Those that do not meet the required standard will not attend P Company.
Successful applicants will then be loaded onto P Company by 216 Signal Squadron prior to travelling up to Catterick to attend the course.
Exemption from attending the UPC can only be granted by Officer Commanding 216 Signal Squadron.